Long Road Students Help Shape the Future of Cambridge

Held at Cambridge Guildhall on Thursday 18 June, the summit brought together students from the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Long Road Sixth Form College and other local education providers to engage directly with city leaders, decision-makers and community organisations.

The event aimed to challenge the idea that students are simply temporary residents, instead recognising them as active contributors to Cambridge's future. Throughout the day, students took part in talks, workshops, panel discussions and collaborative sessions, exploring the issues that matter most to young people living, studying and working in the city.

Representing Long Road, students contributed to discussions on topics including transport, sustainability, community development and the future growth of Cambridge. They worked alongside local leaders and fellow students to share their perspectives and help shape conversations around the city's future.

One of the day's highlights was a panel discussion exploring the unprecedented transformation taking place across Cambridge and how the city can continue to grow in an inclusive, sustainable and community-focused way. Students also participated in interactive workshops, giving them the opportunity to put forward ideas directly to the people responsible for making local decisions.

The summit welcomed a number of high-profile speakers, including Daniel Zeichner MP for Cambridge, Pippa Heylings MP for South Cambridgeshire, Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, alongside representatives from local government and the voluntary sector.

Among those representing Long Road was Erica Nicora, who studies A Levels in Further Maths, Maths, Physics and Design Technology.

Reflecting on the experience, Erica said:

It was an amazing experience and great to see that students are being involved in the city and discussions that impact them.

Daniel Zeichner MP highlighted the importance of ensuring young people have a voice in Cambridge's future:

Students are a very important part of Cambridge's community. It was encouraging to see students from different institutions coming together to discuss the issues that matter to them. If Cambridge is to grow in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and successful, young people must have a genuine voice in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.

The Cambridge Student Summit was delivered in partnership with the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge SU, Union ARU and Long Road Sixth Form College, with additional participation from Hills Road Sixth Form College.

The event provided Long Road students with a valuable opportunity to engage with civic leaders, develop their confidence in discussing real-world issues, and play an active role in conversations that will help shape the future of Cambridge. It also reflected Long Road's commitment to empowering students to become informed, engaged citizens who can make a positive impact both within their communities and beyond.