Blast off for brilliance!
New College Lanarkshire's 10th anniversary prize is out of this world!
New College Lanarkshire has partnered with Cumbernauld-based space rocket company Skyrora to launch a new competition that will ask the brightest young talent in Lanarkshire to help solve the climate crisis.
This year is the 10th anniversary of New College Lanarkshire and the competition will mark this by asking young people across Lanarkshire to showcase their ideas, creativity and commitment to sustainability.
There will be two categories: STEM and the Arts, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their technical and creative skills.
Pupils in S1-3 across North Lanarkshire will be asked to develop a solution to a climate-based problem in Lanarkshire or create a piece of art that brings attention to a neglected aspect of the climate crisis.
The winners will take home £500 and get a chance to tour Skyrora’s state of the art Cumbernauld centre
Professor Christopher Moore, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire, said the award was an investment in the future.
"As we mark our tenth anniversary, we are thrilled to launch this prize. It reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnerships with schools and businesses which are vital for the success of our students.
"We are excited to witness the creative solutions our young people will bring forward. The 10th Anniversary Prize is not just a way to mark our past but a commitment to a future where education, innovation, and sustainability are celebrated.”
Derek Harris, Business Operations Manager at Skyrora, said they were delighted to sponsor the competition.
"Skyrora is proud to support NCL in launching the 10th Anniversary Prize. We believe in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and creators who will ultimately become pioneers on the road to success for the UK space sector.
Capabilities in space and sustainable solutions on Earth go hand-in-hand, and we look forward to encouraging students to think about global sustainability issues from a space perspective. The competition not only aligns with national agendas but also celebrates the diverse talents of our young people."
A representative from North Lanarkshire Council will help judge the entries, and Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee, said ‘the Council is delighted to support NCL in this initiative’.
She went on: “This competition will empower students to identify and seek solutions to the challenges of sustainability. It reinforces the strong bond between the college and the local community, providing students with a platform to showcase their talents and make a positive impact."
If any teachers or young people you know may be interested please ask them to email Anniversaryprize@nclan.ac.uk for more details.