We were delighted to mark the official launch of the new IntoUniversity Bridlington centre on Wednesday, 26 February. This initiative, in partnership with the University of Hull, IntoUniversity and the University of York, is dedicated to raising aspirations and breaking down barriers to higher education. The new centre will provide academic support and mentoring to young people in Bridlington and surrounding areas.
The launch event featured speeches from local students and a keynote address by Alan Johnson, University of Hull Chancellor and former Secretary of State for Education, who spoke about his own journey and the importance of education in transforming lives. Attended by young people set to benefit from the centre, the event showcased the impact this initiative will have on the local community.
The Bridlington centre is part of the University’s long-standing commitment to widening participation in education and addressing inequalities. The University's Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) played a key role in securing support for the project, bringing together philanthropic donors and partners to help fund the initiative. A huge thank you to our principal donors for the Bridlington centre which include the Leonard Chamberlain Trust, the Lords Feoffees and Orsted from their East Coast Community Fund. Other supporters included Hesslewood Children's Trust and Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust.
Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor, who attended the launch reinforced the University's dedication to supporting young people in our region: "We are committed to inspiring young people into education and giving those from disadvantaged backgrounds the confidence to take a positive step towards higher education. Working with IntoUniversity and the University of York, we will continue to support our local communities and help young people achieve their full potential."
The Bridlington centre builds on the success of the Hull IntoUniversity centre, which opened in 2022. It will soon be followed by another new centre in Grimsby this April - further strengthening the University's commitment to widening participation across the region.
Find out more about IntoUniversity and the work being done to support young people.