School Developing the Future Science Park
As a catalyst for inner-city regeneration Aston Science Park has not only nurtured new generations of knowledge-based SMEs over the last two decades or so but it has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing close links with the community. For example, it has forged strong ties with the educational Titan Partnership, which acts as a driving force to help tackle the special needs of inner-city areas such as Aston, Handsworth, Lozells and Nechells and promote the potential of youngsters to prospective employers. The partnership is made up of over 50 nursery, primary and secondary schools, colleges and business partners – with every member committed to combating disadvantage with a shared belief in the often-ignored capabilities of inner-city communities. “Its aim, through mutual support and collaboration with the wider community, is to achieve high quality in education, with relevant learning experiences to broaden and enhance opportunities for all if its students,” said Science Park Chief Executive Dr Derek Harris. “By showing business, parents and community groups that the inner-city can offer a quality learning experience, Titan is helping to build confidence and strength in the area,” he added. Dr Harris commented: “As far as the Science Park is concerned, we have been working closely with the Titan Partnership for nearly ten years, during which time we have helped raise awareness of the environment and sought to stimulate and develop the aspirations of youngsters.” The Science Park’s latest involvement with the partnership was to organise a competition for schools in which pupils were asked to design a future development at the Park, which is currently progressing its own expansion plans.
  “The project not only presented an opportunity for youngsters to develop their entrepreneurial skills and ambitions but hopefully it also provided them with a better understanding of a business environment,” said Dr Harris, who handed over the winner’s prize to Anisah Latif, a Form 6H student at Prince Albert School, Aston, which is linked, through the partnership, to Carillion Plc. “Anisah’s drawing showed originality and imaginative thinking – and certainly left the outlook of the Science Park looking decidedly bright!” added Dr Harris. John Bridgman, manager of Titan Partnership, commented: “We are very pleased to have worked with Aston Science Park on what was an innovative and exciting school project. It brought awareness of the Park to the children and encouraged them to think of the future.” | 
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