|
The University's Michelle Bartholomew (pictured), Lecturer in Sports & Health Studies, is the winner of the Education Award at last week's Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards.
Michelle won the award for her widen participation work in creating opportunities for youngsters who are under-represented in higher education to receive first-hand experience of university life.
In addition to a full-time teaching programme, Michelle has run a successful summer school for African Caribbean students called ‘Making a Difference - Because You Are Worth It'.
The summer school has run for a number of years and on two occasions Michelle persuaded Olympic gold-medal winning athlete Kriss Akabusi MBE put in an appearance to the delight of the youngsters attending.
Michelle was put forward for the award by the University of Huddersfield's Head of Community Development & Widening Participation, Sylvia Gibbs.This is Michelle's second high-profile event this month. On the 3 May, Michelle attended a luncheon at the Houses of Parliament promoting the Government's Aimhigher scheme, which is also aimed at raising the aspirations of young people towards participation in Higher Education.
Michelle created the summer school with the aim of motivating them and also dispelling many of the myths associated with university study. "The purpose of the summer school is to provide an exciting insight into university life for young people from the African Caribbean and the shared-heritage community," said Michelle. "Many of these young people are capable of achieving the entry requirements for higher education, but, for reasons many reasons, may not consider applying."
The summer school includes short programmes on the many academic subjects on the health and sports courses, including information on pastoral care, academic support and study skills.
The academic sessions involve tutors and community representatives providing taster sessions of lectures, seminars, work/study in laboratories and workshops.
The summer school ends with an awards ceremony attended by the students, parents, carers, teachers and staff.
Huddersfield University News |
