Children's Universities

Widening Access, Inclusion and Diversity

Preventive early career education Children’s Universities Arqus support networks for inclusion Recognition of prior learning Integrated Arqus plan for refugees and students at risk Seniors Universities Inclusive peer tutoring Fast track for gifted students Job market transition for inclusive universities Common Charter on Gender Equality, Inclusion and Sustainability

The Task force 2.2: Children’s Universities was set up to awaken young people of the joy of knowing science, culture, arts and the world around them through lectures and practical classes for children of different ages. Children’s universities help school children make informed decisions about participation in higher education and career choices, as well as reduce and eliminate gender and other bias. Arqus universities hope that all children, regardless of the school they attend or their social status or disability, benefit from quality education offered by universities. It is an ethical obligation for universities to focus on children and facilitate the realization of their full potential.

The ultimate goals of the activities at children’s universities are: to awaken children to the joy of learning about the world; to form their values and broaden their horizons; to reveal talents and develop critical thinking; to show children the possibilities from which they can choose their future path; to make children and adolescents enthusiastic about science and scientific research; to promote curiosity and creativity; to enable contact with scientific researchers at their places of work; to overcome obstacles and focus on those young people who normally do not have the opportunity to come to a university.

As a result of the Arqus Task Force 2.2 efforts in mapping (data collection and overview of practices) it was agreed to develop a questionnaire in order to collect further information on the mission and vision of children’s universities at the respective Arqus partners, the wide range and type of activities organised for children and the involvement of faculties/departments. The information was systematised, presenting the multi-layered nature of the existing different practices in universities, which allowed showing the diversity, advantages and challenges of organising activities for children. After the initial mapping was performed, a series of webinars were planned and implemented.