The 2021 National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) Awards were presented online on Thursday 10^th June. The NEON Awards provide a platform to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of NEON’s members and their learners in widening access to higher education and enabling social mobility.

COVID-19 has had a huge impact upon widening access to higher education (HE). It has forced the widening access community to reflect upon how we engage with learners and develop new ways of delivery. Therefore, this year, it is more important than ever to not only celebrate the success of this work and the transformative power that higher education can have on the lives of learners, but to consider how we continue to push our work forward to ensure success learners are able to both enter, and succeed within, HE.

Director of NEON, Professor Graeme Atherton, states:

‘With over 100 nominations, shortlisting was a difficult process and it has highlighted the outstanding work that is being carried out by both institutions and individuals across the UK.’

NEON was founded in 2012 as the professional organisation to support those involved in promoting social mobility through widening access to higher education. NEON brings together Higher Education Institutions, schools, colleges, the voluntary sector, professional bodies and employers. Over 90 higher education providers from across England and Wales are members of NEON and they teach over 70% of England’s undergraduate students.

Please see below for the winners and commendations from the 2021 NEON Awards.

 NEON Widening Access Initiative (Outreach) Award

IntoUniversity – Commendation

Mini Medics, University of Sunderland – Commendation

Orbyts, University College London – Winner

NEON Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Success) Award

Funded Internship Scheme, University of East London – Commendation

HE Creative Arts Media Make-Up Industry Collaboration, University Centre Leeds (Leeds City College – Commendation

First Generation Scholarship Programme, Manchester Metropolitan University – Winner

Widening Access Partnership Award

Oldham Parent Power Project, Greater Manchester Higher – Commendation

University of Leeds and IntoUniversity partnership – Commendation

Urban Scholars Programme Partnership, Brunel University London & Moody’s – Winner

NEON Access School or College Award

Barnsley College – Commendation

Kings College, Guildford – Commendation

The Sheffield College – Winner

NEON Student of the Year Award

Christopher Cooper, University of York – Commendation

Shuab Gamote, Manchester Metropolitan University – Commendation

Yasmin Haque, University of East London – Winner

NEON Contribution to Widening Access Award

Abigail Harrison Moore, University of Leeds – Commendation

Wendy Price, University of Sunderland – Commendation

Hollie Baker, University of Surrey – Winner

NEON Higher Education Institution of the Year Award

University Centre Leeds – Commendation

University of Southampton – Commendation

Lancaster University – Winner

There was also a one-off award for Lifetime Achievement, this award was given to Emily Hughes to recognising her contribution to widening access and the lasting legacy at Kingston University. Emily passed away at the end of April 2021 at the age of thirty-five following a long battle with cancer. To find out more about Emily, please click here.

Please click here to read the all nominees projects.