Awards show case ‘creativity and commitment’ of students
Birmingham Newman University hosted the semi-finals of the Next Generation Awards, an event dedicated to fostering the talents of young local students and encouraging them to develop ideas that can improve society.
This event showcased the creativity and commitment of local students, as they presented innovative ideas aimed at making a positive impact on their communities.
During the semi-finals, students presented their proposals to an assessment panel, showcasing their innovative ideas to address various community issues. The teams were assessed on their ability to identify relevant issues, conduct thorough research, and develop actionable proposals.
The strongest team from the semi-finals will advance to the finals, where they will compete for £1,500 in prize money, generously donated by Birmingham Newman University.
The winning team will receive the prize money to turn their idea into a working project, as well as mentoring support to help execute their project. The goal of the prize is to help these young visionaries bring their ideas to life and make a tangible difference in their local communities.
The Next Generation Awards Scheme is an inclusive, project-based programme designed for 11 to 14-year-olds and is run within Birmingham schools.
For nearly two decades, the programme has been a cornerstone of the Birmingham Civic Society’s efforts to engage young people in citizenship and community service.
The scheme aims to develop a wide range of skills among participants, including team-working, ICT, presentation, creative writing, and problem solving, while also nurturing their enthusiasm for positive change and active citizenship.
This year, the programme has seen participation from over 20 new schools and groups, involving more than 2,000 additional young people. Over 36,000 students have participated in the Next Generation Awards since the programme began.
The semi-finals held at Birmingham Newman University were a crucial step in the journey for these young participants, who have been working diligently on their projects throughout the school year.
Andrew Edgar, senior lecturer in Education Studies at Birmingham Newman University said: “The Next Generation awards provide a wonderful opportunity for pupils to consider the changing world around them and identify sustainable solutions that will have lasting impact on their communities.”
As winners of the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category at the Education Awards in 2018, the Next Generation Awards continue to inspire and empower young citizens.
By providing a platform for these students to voice their ideas and aspirations, the programme highlights the importance of youth involvement in community development.
