The University has also been shortlisted for the Social Mobility Award – University Sector.
Sheffield Hallam has been shortlisted in recognition of the exceptional progress made in the last 12 months in improving access to higher education, the number of graduates going on to gain good jobs and regional impact.
For the last five years, Sheffield Hallam has educated more students from underrepresented backgrounds than any other UK university.
Sheffield Hallam is also leading the way in supporting graduates into skilled jobs. It is the top modern UK university for the number of graduates in highly skilled jobs within 15 months of graduating.
In 2021, Sheffield Hallam launched its Civic University Agreement, a set of commitments to help improve the lives of people across South Yorkshire. The University is working with local partners to build back stronger from the pandemic and address key regional challenges around the economy, health, education, regeneration, and our communities.
Key projects that form part of the Civic University Agreement include a graduate mentoring programme which has supported more than 1,000 GCSE and A-level pupils to focus on their education; and an innovation programme that enables free access to academic expertise and facilities to help regional businesses to innovate and grow.
Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Chris Husbands, said:
“Sheffield Hallam is proudly a university of its place, and we continue to lead the way in our support for our students and communities. From our outstanding record on improving access to higher education and graduate outcomes, to our commitment to the region through our Civic University Agreement, the University is making a real contribution to the educational, social and economic and success of South Yorkshire and beyond.
“Sheffield Hallam’s mission is to transform lives and I am delighted our efforts have been recognised by the Educate North Awards.”
The shortlisting comes after the University won two prestigious award wins in recent months.
In October, the University was named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards in recognition of its work to advance social mobility through higher education and just a month later Sheffield Hallam was named Outstanding Entrepreneurial University at the Times Higher Education Awards.
The Educate North Awards take place in April in Manchester.