Our pioneering grant scheme for sustainable projects

We have introduced a forward-thinking initiative which sees students able to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to fund projects which support the college’s sustainability goals.

The grant scheme bolsters the College’s journey toward net zero carbon emissions – in line with both our Sustainability Strategy and the wider borough’s Zero 45 aims – whilst providing students with valuable enrichment opportunities.

Students can apply for a sum of between £10 and £1,000 from the Student Sustainability Fund to support their projects, which must align with one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be considered.

The College’s Sustainability Officer, Sasha Beswick, said: “This funding is an amazing opportunity for our students to bring their brilliant ideas to life.

“Our young people are full of ideas for new sustainability drives, so the chance to fund their initiatives will hopefully mean a new wave of improvements and innovations across the college and wider community.

“It is our duty to equip students with the tools and skills necessary to face sustainability challenges. This is another excellent step in embedding sustainable learning and values throughout the College and wider community.”

Students will be invited to write an application including how they believe their project idea will influence the College’s Sustainability Strategy and which Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) their project idea will meet. Students can seek advice for their applications from their teachers or the Sustainability Team and feedback will be provided to any applicants who are unsuccessful.

Engaging students has been a key focus for the College’s Sustainability Strategy – in April it was announced the College was top of a global leaderboard for numbers of students reached with sustainability education as part of the SDG Teach In.

At the end of 2023, Barnsley College was one of just three organisations in the country to receive the CLAD Catalyst Award – for its dedication to tackling climate change through climate education and action, and for catalysing the delivery of Carbon Literacy training throughout the organisation and beyond.

Interested Barnsley College students can complete an application form by contacting the Sustainability Team at sustainability@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College’s Sustainability Strategy can be found here.