March 26, 2026
Apps and Ambition: Harrison Centre Learners Take on the Harrison Challenge
The 2026 Harrison Challenge was officially kicked off this week at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Sunderland, bringing together learners at the Beacon of Light to begin the next stage of their employability journey.
Delivered in partnership with the Foundation of Light, the Harrison Centre has supported young people and adults across Sunderland since opening in 2018, providing tailored guidance, skills development and clear pathways into employment and further training. The launch of this year’s Harrison Challenge builds on that work, offering learners the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical, business-minded way.
The Harrison Challenge is designed to develop key employability skills through real-world application. Learners are tasked with working in teams to discuss a piece of technology they use and present ideas to a panel of judges on how the tech could be improved. The process encourages participants to build confidence, communicate effectively and think critically about their work, all skills that are essential in both education and employment.
The challenge also places a strong emphasis on progression. This approach reflects the wider ethos of the Harrison Foundation’s work, supporting individuals to move forward with confidence and ambition.
At the launch, Harrison Foundation trustee, Daniel Harrison MBE, led a workshop session and spoke to the learners about the importance of taking opportunities and making the most of the support available to them. Drawing on his own experience, he encouraged participants to approach the challenge with a positive attitude and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone.
Joining Daniel at the launch was Cameron, a former learner at the Harrison Centre and a previous winner of the Harrison Prize. Cameron shared his own journey with the group, reflecting on how the support he received at the Centre helped him build confidence and take his first steps into employment. He also offered practical tips to this year’s groups, encouraging them to stay engaged, work as a team and take pride in their achievements.
The Harrison Foundation’s partnership with the Foundation of Light has developed over a number of years, creating long-term impact across Wearside, South Tyneside and County Durham. Through the Harrison Centre, hundreds of learners have been supported to improve their confidence, gain new skills and progress into employment, apprenticeships or further education. The Centre provides a structured but supportive environment for individuals who may not have thrived in traditional settings, helping them to build the foundations needed for long-term success.
Daniel Harrison MBE said:
“The Harrison Challenge is about unlocking creativity and ideas. It gives the learners an opportunity to apply their skills in a practical way and to build confidence in what they can achieve. It was great to see the groups engage with the session and to hear Cameron share his experience. I’m looking forward to seeing how participants progress and the confidence they build along the way.”
As this year’s challenge gets underway, learners will now begin developing their ideas ahead of the final presentations later in the year with the winning team members each receiving an iPad.