The sun has made an appearance, our programmes are beginning to wrap up, we are busy collecting and collating feedback and the team is focused on planning and development work. That can only mean one thing – it’s summer time at Student Hubs.
Conference in Cambridge
Earlier this month, a team of 9 students (pictured below), alongside Cambridge Hub, delivered the Cambridge Climate and Sustainability Forum 2021, around the theme of Sustainability in Action. The 2 day conference featured 26 speakers, 300 participants and a green fair with 13 organisations,
Highlights of Friday included Dr Anthony Nyong’s opening talk around the work they do transitioning Africa to low-carbon, climate-resilient development, and a panel discussion focusing on Empowerment and Campaigning. Saturday focused on Sustainable Policy and the Pillars of a Circular Economy, before wrapping up with the closing speech from Dr Jyoti Kirit Parikh.
Pilot Complete
In April’s blog we shared that a new programme was being piloted in Bristol and Southampton; Inspire, Debate, Change – seven political education workshops inspiring 11-13 year olds to be active citizens. This month the pilot wrapped up and we collected some feedback from the young people who took part. 100% feel more confident in their knowledge in UK politics, 83% feel more confident in their beliefs and 83% feel confident that they can make change happen. When asked to describe the programme in their own words, the young people said:
“A chance to find your voice and learn how to express it.”
“Inspire, Debate, Change is a great way to educate and open the minds of young people in regards to politics, debating and opinions. It gives young people a chance to express their opinions and ideas in a way where it’s safe and informative.”
“An amazing way for younger people to learn the basics of Politics covering many different aspects of what those in command are there for.”
Big shout out to Catherine, Sofia and Manveer in Southampton, and Elle, Hannah and Zac in Bristol for being part of such an exciting new project – I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Team Time
Last week we had our final Team Day of the academic year. Every six weeks, we get together as a network to collaborate, learn and spend time with one another. This year one of our focuses has been on innovation, both within our existing programmes and with new ideas. We’ve analysed gaps in our provision, created value propositions and explored user needs. We’ve also generated exciting new ideas and reflected on how to develop, test and pitch them!
In August we will come together as a team for a whole week at Hub Holiday, an opportunity to work together and prepare for the 2021/22 academic year. Keep an eye on the blog to hear more about what we get up to.
In the Spotlight
This month we want to put two of our Hub Managers in the spotlight, Liz from Winchester Hub and Harry from Kingston Hub. Liz and Harry delivered a session at the Generation Z in Higher Education Conference on Service Learning, focusing on how our programme brings civic engagement and social action into the classroom for university students.
To find out more about the programme, read our Service Learning blogs about our approach with academics and with students and the community.
What to look out for
- We are currently recruiting! If you are interested in joining our team as the Cambridge Hub Manager (application deadline this Sunday, 27 June!) or the Bristol Hub Manager (application deadline Sunday 11 July) find out more and apply on our website.
- To stay motivated this Pride month we have collated a playlist with some of our favourite LGBTQIA+ anthems. We have also asked our team what Pride means to them – keep an eye on the blog to hear our reflections.
- Our Southampton Hub Manager Sophie and Sales Director Fiona recently guess blogged for Pursue sharing a case study of Southampton Hub’s work at Student Hubs. They will also be presenting at the NEON Summer Symposium 2021 on 2 July.