Growing success for York Children’s University

Posted on Friday 24 October 2014

The award is presented to community groups and charities from across Yorkshire who, following rigorous assessment, are deemed valuable to the community, well-run and an inspiration to others.

Led and managed by employee-charity York Cares and the University of York, York Children’s University (CU) is part of a national scheme that seeks to inspire children aged 5–14 through raising aspirations, boosting achievement and fostering a love of learning.

Participating in approved extra-curricular activities, children collect stickers in a ‘passport’ which are then recognised at a special graduation ceremony at the University of York.

Helen Green, Volunteering Project Officer who received the award from HRH the Duke of York, said: “York CU is about engaging children in fun, quality and innovative experiences that capture their imagination and inspire dreams for the future. We have grown from working with three schools in 2011 to 16 schools today and have worked with over 3,000 children. This award recognises all the students, schools and business volunteers who have made it such a success.”

The York CU has seen much success recently, including organising free events at Yornight drawing in 200 young people and families, as they continue to encourage business volunteers and university academics to deliver creative, hands-on activities for children.

Starting this month, 18 student volunteers will design and deliver three CU learning modules in partnership with Northern Rail, the Designer Outlet and York Marriott. Involving four classroom workshops and one trip out, modules will be centred around themes relating to each company – travel will take place with Northern Rail, Designer Outlet participants will design and pitch a shop idea, and ‘cooking culture’ classes will run with York Marriot.

Emily Mondon, York Children’s University Intern and third year English Literature undergraduate, said: “The wonderful thing about York Children’s University is that it brings together members from all areas of the community to create inspiring, energetic and creative ways for children to engage with learning. From seeing the excitement of Graduation, to the amazing success of our CU in the City events, Children’s University has certainly been the highlight of my time in York!”