Oxford Summer Courses Corporate Social Responsibility
Empowering Change with Oxford Summer Courses
At Oxford Summer Courses, we are committed to fostering independent thought, educational equality, and environmental responsibility. Through our award-winning summer programmes and our partnership with Universify Education, we create opportunities for students worldwide, breaking down barriers to education. As the UK's leading summer school provider and a certified B Corp with a score of 102.4 (a minimum score of 80 is required), we manage our operations sustainably, ensuring a positive impact on both society and the environment. Join us in this journey of sustainable learning, where education meets social responsibility. Apply now and make a lasting difference.
Our Sustainable Education Vision
At the heart of our mission is a dedication to providing world-class education while preserving the environment. Our sustainability efforts extend beyond the classroom, with initiatives that reduce our environmental impact and contribute to local communities. Our environmental pledge is a reflection of this commitment to responsible education. "Oxford Summer Courses continues to strengthen our reputation as the leading short course provider, delivering exceptional teaching while leaving a positive impact on the world." — Harry Hortyn, CEO & Co-Founder
Our Sustainability Pledge
We take concrete steps toward sustainable operations:
- B Corp Certified: We meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
- CarbonNeutral® Certified: Through our partnership with Climate Impact Partners, we offset all our emissions.
- Investment in Low-Carbon Projects: Our support for projects like the Acre Amazonian Rainforest Project ensures we reduce our environmental footprint.
- Giving Back: Your course attendance helps contribute to a sustainable future.
Our B Corp Certification
We are proud to be certified as a B Corp, achieving a high score of 102.4—well above the minimum 80 required. This reflects our dedication to high standards of social and environmental performance. We are continuously working to improve, with new initiatives such as electric vehicle schemes through Octopus Electric Vehicles and further efforts across all areas of our operations. We remain committed to enhancing our positive impact and setting even higher standards for the future.
Transforming Futures with Universify Education
Founded in 2016, Universify Education is our sister charity dedicated to removing barriers to higher education. Together, we have supported over 900 students, many of whom have progressed to top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. By providing financial support, office space in Oxford, and volunteering efforts from our staff, we help create a more inclusive educational landscape in the UK.
Our Commitment Towards a CarbonNeutral® Tomorrow
We are proudly CarbonNeutral® certified through our partnership with Climate Impact Partners. This certification reflects our commitment to supporting verified emission reduction projects that are crucial in propelling the transition to a low-carbon global economy. By participating in these projects, we aim to minimise our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Our initiatives not only focus on reducing emissions but also on promoting environmental awareness and responsibility among our students and staff.
Our Sustainable Future with Climate Impact Partners
In collaboration with Climate Impact Partners, we support a range of low-carbon, sustainable development projects designed to create lasting environmental benefits. Among these are the Low Carbon Project and the Acre Amazonian Rainforest Project. These initiatives help reduce carbon emissions and support local communities by providing sustainable economic opportunities. Our partnership reflects our long-term commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring that the positive impact of our courses extends beyond the classroom.
Empowering Ghana with Gyapa Cookstoves
We proudly support the Gyapa Efficient Cookstoves project in Ghana. This project not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves air quality, health, and living conditions for local communities by providing them with fuel-efficient stoves. These stoves reduce deforestation and empower families to cook more sustainably. Our involvement in this initiative reflects our commitment to both the environment and global community well-being.
Sustainable Choices for Branded Items
Our environmental commitment extends to the branded items provided to students. We prioritise eco-friendly materials to reduce our footprint, ensuring that our backpacks are made from 100% recyclable materials, notepads and pens are crafted from bamboo, and water bottles are made of durable stainless steel for long-term use. These thoughtful choices reflect our dedication to sustainability in all aspects of our operations.
Protecting the Amazon with the Acre Project
The Acre Amazonian Rainforest Project is one of the many ways we contribute to global environmental sustainability. This initiative focuses on preventing deforestation in the Amazon, preserving biodiversity, and fostering sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Through our partnership, we help ensure that one of the world’s most vital ecosystems is protected for future generations.FAQs about Our Corporate Social Responsibility
- What is Oxford Summer Courses’ environmental pledge? Our environmental pledge reflects our commitment to minimising the environmental impact of our operations, ensuring the sustainability of our local and global communities.
- How does Oxford Summer Courses offset its carbon footprint? We offset our carbon footprint through verified emission reduction projects as part of our CarbonNeutral® certification, working with Climate Impact Partners to support sustainable development initiatives.
- What role does Universify Education play in CSR efforts? Universify Education is our sister charity, aimed at breaking down barriers to higher education. We actively support them through financial contributions and staff volunteer efforts.
- How are the branded items selected for sustainability? Our branded items are carefully selected for sustainability. Our backpacks are 100% recyclable, notepads and pens are made from bamboo, and water bottles are stainless steel for reusability.
- What are the key sustainability projects supported by Oxford Summer Courses? We support a range of projects, including the Gyapa Cookstoves project in Ghana and the Acre Amazonian Rainforest Project, which focus on reducing emissions, improving health outcomes, and preserving ecosystems.
Secure Your Place Early
To secure your preferred location, we highly recommend applying early. Each of our courses has a limited number of places available, and they tend to sell out quickly. Once they are full, no further places will be available. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to study in one of our prestigious locations.
