Welcome to the second year of Black History Year Create, a ground-breaking initiative funded by the University's Quintin Hogg Trust. This unique programme is designed for our students identifying as Black, providing them with a transformative journey as they prepare to enter the professional world.
What is Black History Year (BHY) Create?
Building upon the success of our Black History Year initiative, which runs numerous events with esteemed speakers addressing topics like industry resilience, creativity and wellbeing, we recognised the need for an equally sustained effort for our Black students.
Rather than one-off events, we aimed to create a comprehensive, long-term grassroots initiative tailored to Black students to offer support, and create journeys for these students.
The result is Black History Year Create, a six-month, intensive career-defining programme consisting of targeted workshops delivered by an external facilitator.
Our objectives
To continue to empower and provide opportunities to Black students at Level 6 across the University, focusing on three key areas: building confidence, visibility and individuality.
Our approach to this movement is firmly rooted in decolonisation, addressing tokenism, microaggressions and systemic racism.
Programme highlights
This programme offers participants a bursary of up to £1,000 upon completion of the programme to help support their ongoing professional development and seek employment, within a decolonised framework tailored to the unique experiences of Black students.
Meet the Team
The BHY Create Board consists of dedicated individuals who are passionate about supporting and empowering Black students:
- Stephen Bunbury (Chair)
- Deborah Husbands
- Edna Johnson
- Zahrah Surooprajally
- Monica Deshpande
Who is the programme aimed at
We warmly invite Level 6 students, who identify as Black, to be part of this transformative journey.
There are 20 spaces available on the programme. Additionally, we are actively recruiting two students to join our Programme Board to ensure we have active student voice.
Programme details
The core programme will run for six months and will incorporate five face-to-face workshops/insight days that will be complemented by careers support via our Careers and Employability Service, online activities, independent study and reflection. Participants will also have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring.
Key topics we will cover include personal branding, addressing tokenism and effective storytelling.
Sessions will take place from January 2024, culminating in a celebratory event in June 2024.
Application process and eligibility criteria
The programme is open to Level 6 students identifying as Black from all colleges within the University.
To apply, please fill in the application form.
Applications will close on Tuesday 31 October, and interviews will be scheduled for Wednesday 8 November at 10am-12 noon and 2pm.
‘Meet the board’ sessions
We will be hosting ‘Meet the board’ sessions in October. These sessions are open to colleagues and students to ask questions and gain insights through the application process.
For further booking details, keep a look out on the Student Hub in the coming weeks.
Further Information
If you would like any additional information, please email [email protected].
Black History Year Create: Be confident, be visible, be yourself – as we embark on this inspiring journey together.
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