Nine college students travelled to the college’s London campus from the US, the place they every research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to take part in this system.
Over one week, participants labored with college students and workers, collaborating in workshops on topics akin to identification, designing a socially-just establishment in addition to attending educational taster periods.
The flagship program is a part of London Metropolitan’s wider HBCU project, and sees the college companion with two to a few college students from every of its HBCU companions to return to London for per week for the immersive program.
“The whole point of the program is that it wouldn’t just impact a few students, it would impact our institutional practice and policy and therefore we can learn from HBCUs, embed that into our practice, and vice versa,” stated Jennifer Wilkinson, director of pupil recruitment and enterprise growth at London Met.
“That then uplifts opportunities for all students, even if they never physically mobile.”
Wilkinson informed The PIE an necessary a part of this system is receiving suggestions from the scholars on what London Met can do higher as an establishment, as this may enhance outcomes for all college students.
The program additionally sponsored members of workers from HBCU partnering establishments, who took half in roundtables, educational {and professional} providers conferences, and attended the Diversity Abroad Global Inclusion Regional Summit.
At the top of the week, taking part college students from Claflin University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University and Prairie View A&M University shared shows protecting the highlights of their time spent within the capital.
Nia, a pc science pupil from Prairie View A&M University stated this system has opened her thoughts and given her “a new perspective on life”.
In an emotional speech, fellow participant, additionally named Nia, stated communication abilities and a new household of fellow HBCU college students have been among the many largest features made for the Morgan State University pupil.
Other college students highlighted a refreshed sense of self-empowerment and a deeper understanding of the struggles of individuals of color each within the UK and the US.
London Metropolitan’s partnerships with HBCUs are a part of a much bigger technique linked to the Centre for Equity and Inclusion and its Race Equity Strategic Plan.
It takes a holistic method to enhancing pupil outcomes on either side of the Atlantic by way of the event of pupil attainment, continuation charges and graduate outcomes.
As the initiative continues to develop and as new companions are launched, Wilkinson defined to The PIE how a networked method is vital to its success and sustainability by connecting respective groups at every college with one another, teachers to teachers for instance.
“There’s a network there so even if in the future things change, it’s a fundamental part of who we are and that we are already connected with people at all levels,” she stated.
