The presence and accessibility of Black role models in education play a crucial role in shaping the aspirations and achievements of Black youth. By providing relatable and inspiring examples of success, these role models can influence the educational trajectories and career aspirations of young Black students.
B-Hugs aims to assess the impact of representation in education on belonging and education outcomes amongst Black youth, offering insights into the broader implications for diversity, equity and inclusion in academic institutions.
Students participate in weekly sessions hosted by lecturers and academics of Black heritage. These sessions focus on the respective fields of expertise of the speakers, aiming to broaden the horizons of the students and provide them with relatable and inspiring examples of success.
Creating spaces of belonging project
This is a B-HUGs-EMBRACE Enviro Collaboration in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society and Migrant Help UK.
Our specific objectives are to:
- Increase belonging in NERC science and promote subject retention for Black pupils and students with a diversity of migration histories
- Foster critical conversation to support i. action development by Black young people with a diversity of migration histories and their parents/guardians and ii. our understanding of barriers to participation and progression
- Support pipeline access, progression and belonging for Black migrants,asylum seekers and refugees aged 18+
- Curate a resilient, well-connected landscape of belonging for Black individuals with a diversity of migration histories in the NERC community
- Develop and advocate evidence-based policy and practice for schools,organisations and local and national government entities.
Project timeline
July 2026-December 2028
