Hull College is delighted to be named as a finalist in the highly sought-after Beacon Awards.

Run by the Association of Colleges (AoC), the Beacon Awards celebrate best practice and innovation and highlight excellence within the Further Education sector across a range of categories. The aim of the awards programme is to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve.

The college has achieved ‘finalist’ status in The Sustainable Energy First Award for Education for Sustainable Development category for its ‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ project.

‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ is a transformative initiative addressing the urgent climate challenges facing the Humber region - one of the UK’s most at-risk areas for climate-related flooding and a key contributor to carbon emissions. This innovative programme was launched without additional funding, relying entirely on the dedication of our existing staff and resources to create a forward-thinking approach to climate education.

Since its inception, the programme has reached 2,651 students and over 200 staff from various fields, equipping them with essential skills in sustainability and renewable energy. In collaboration with more than 100 industry leaders, we have built a dynamic, industry-aligned curriculum that positions our students to thrive in the expanding green economy.

‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ is inclusive at its core, welcoming learners from all backgrounds, including asylum seekers, refugees, and students with special educational needs (SEN). Outside the classroom, students actively contribute to hands-on community projects such as beach clean-ups and habitat restoration, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and deepening their connection to the community.

By preparing students for green careers and building resilience in our region, ‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ not only addresses immediate educational needs but also stands as a replicable model for other institutions. This programme exemplifies how meaningful sustainability impacts can be achieved even with limited resources, paving the way for a more resilient future.

Click here to read more about this year’s AoC Beacon Awards.

All ‘finalist’ colleges will be visited between December 2024 - January 2025 before winners are announced at a special AoC celebration event in March 2025.

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