John Buttrick and pupils from St James Primary school in the KC Learning Zone

30,000 and counting – that’s the number of Hull’s school children who have been through the inspirational Hull Children’s University (HCU) programme since it was created 15 years ago.

2011 marks the fifteenth year for the education charity that has seen 60 schools take part in 200 modules, supported by 3000 mentors from over 200 businesses.

Dr John Buttrick, Founder and Director of HCU said: “Wow, whoever would have thought when we started HCU at Francis Askew Primary School when I was deputy head, that we would have had such an impact on the young people of our city. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all the schools and businesses and most importantly the young people who inspired me to start the HCU. Here’s to the next 15 years and beyond.”

The charity is able to offer its inspirational additional learning opportunities thanks to the generosity of businesses who donate financial support and the time of their employees who act as mentors on the modules.

Once such business is KC, which has supported the charity from the very beginning and recently donated the KC Learning Zone, a city centre classroom where learning modules are regularly held. KC Community Relations Manager Anna Millar said: “The success of HCU stems from the passion, dedication and belief that John evokes in the young people and business supporters alike. We are proud to be able to be part of the work John, his team and other businesses are doing to help ensure our young people achieve their career and life ambitions.”

John continues: “I am indebted to so many individuals, organisations and businesses that have made HCU the success it is. We work with children from so many diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and to enable us to continue for another 15 years we are constantly seeking new partners as the need to support our young people is growing. The support can range from a just a few hours of time to financial assistance which will help to help deliver one of our learning modules. Businesses can even be supported and guided by the HCU team to design their own module, like Humberside Airport and Arco have done.” 

To find out more about HCU and how you can get involved please contact Kate Carroll on 01482 466045 or email k.carroll@hull.ac.uk