Leicester College Student Union President revealed as Young Student of the Year

Brandon Powell, the 16-year-old Student Union President at Leicester College, has been announced as the Young Student of the Year (16 to 18 years old) at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Student of the Year Awards 2024/25.

Brandon is in the second year of a Health and Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma course at Leicester College. When he has completed his course, Brandon is hoping to go to university to study to become a paramedic.

The AoC awards celebrate exceptional students from colleges across England, recognising remarkable individuals who have not only excelled at college, but also made meaningful contributions to their colleges and communities.

Commenting on his award, Brandon said: “There were 43 applicants for my particular category and the other finalist had achieved so much, so I wasn’t confident but am so proud to have won this prestigious award.

“From being on the verge of being permanently excluded at an early age, I believe that my resilience and ability to overcome challenges has helped to drive me forward in my education. When I’ve achieved a goal, I look for the next one!”

In its supporting statement for the AoC, Leicester College commented: ‘Despite a difficult upbringing with personal and home challenges, Brandon has come into further education and blossomed into a remarkable young man at Leicester College. Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, Brandon had the responsibility of caring for his grandmother and brother while navigating a complex home life. Brandon has used these challenges and barriers to fuel his resilience in driving positive change. He transformed his experiences into a drive to help others.

‘As an elected Student Union President, Brandon became a beacon of inclusivity. He championed student needs through initiatives like ‘Hear My Voice’, advocated for accessibility, and even skydived to raise money for a beloved staff member. At just 16, he embodies the college’s core values of inclusion, sustainability, equality, and excellence. He actively advocates for students facing difficulties, discrimination, and bullying. Brandon’s leadership extends beyond the college. He uses his experience with ADHD to empower others and is sought after as a speaker, even by seasoned professionals.

‘Brandon’s story is one of overcoming obstacles and using them to fuel positive change. He is an inspiration to his peers and a credit to Leicester College through the impact that he has already made within his first year.’