Queen’s launches new youth academy to support young people from Ardoyne and Shankill
Queen’s Youth Academy: Queen’s University Belfast has announced a new youth academy aimed at creating opportunities for young people from the Ardoyne and Shankill communities to progress into higher education.
The Queen’s University Belfast and R-CITY CoLab Academy was unveiled on Saturday 10 October, as 54 young people graduated with a Level 4 Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action.
The new initiative will provide additional support and routes into university for participants who complete the leadership programme.
Queen’s youth academy to widen access to higher education
The Queen’s Youth Academy builds on an existing partnership between Queen’s, R-CITY and youth organisation Foróige.
Through the programme, young people aged 16 to 18 undertake two years of leadership training and community action projects.
Those who successfully complete the programme receive a university-accredited Level 4 qualification worth 30 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme points.
Under the new academy arrangements, graduates will receive additional recognition when applying to Queen’s, alongside support through the university’s established Pathway Opportunity Programme.
The initiative is intended to help young people from communities traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Fifty-four young people celebrate graduation
Saturday’s ceremony celebrated the achievements of 54 young people from the Ardoyne and Shankill areas.
Broadcaster Stephen Nolan delivered an address, reflecting on his journey from a working-class background to a career in broadcasting.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements of participants who have developed leadership skills, confidence and experience through community projects.
University highlights importance of community partnerships
Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said the academy would strengthen the university’s commitment to engaging with local communities.
He said the Youth Leadership and Community Action qualification provided a foundation for further academic and career opportunities.
The new partnership would also help young people develop their skills while benefiting both the university and the wider community.
R-CITY Executive Director Alan Waite welcomed the announcement, highlighting the progress made by young people who had completed the leadership programme.
He said the combination of university support and R-CITY youth mentoring would help participants maximise their potential.
Former participant shares her experience
Emma McAllister, an R-CITY graduate who is now studying Law with Politics at Queen’s, spoke about how the programme helped her develop confidence and pursue higher education.
Credit: Queen’s University Belfast
She said becoming familiar with the university campus, meeting new people and improving her public speaking skills had made studying at Queen’s feel more achievable.
Her experience demonstrates how the programme can encourage young people to consider educational opportunities they might previously have thought were beyond their reach.
The new academy will build on that work, offering further guidance and support to future participants as they consider their next steps in education.
External links: Queen’s University Belfast – Pathway Opportunity Programme and R-CITY Belfast.
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