Established in 2021 by alumna Imani Artwell (U15), the ISLA Award recognises and celebrates the achievements and contributions of students of Black Caribbean and/or Black African descent. By highlighting excellence within the College community, the award helps ensure that talented students feel seen, supported and valued throughout their time at Churchill. It also showcases students whose achievements, leadership and contribution make them role models for current and future generations, demonstrating the breadth of talent within the College community.

Alongside this, the Black Students’ Support Fund helps remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented students from accessing a Cambridge education. The Fund provides practical support that enables students to participate fully in academic and College life, helping to ensure that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of opportunity. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to Churchill’s principle that academic talent should be the only barrier to entry. The ISLA Award recognises and celebrates talent, while the Black Students’ Support Fund helps ensure that talented applicants can access the opportunities that a Cambridge education provides. By recognising achievement and widening access, both initiatives help create the conditions for students to flourish.

Since the ISLA Awards were launched, 32 awards have been made. One of the recipients for 2025–26 is Dian Nziu (U23), a third-year Human, Social and Political Sciences student:

“Being recognised through an initiative that supports Black students is great. I am thankful to the donors and organisers who invest in making Churchill such an inclusive and affirming space for us. I hope that initiatives like the ISLA Award continue for many years to come so that future generations of Black students at Churchill feel celebrated and confident in pursuing their ambitions. I think it’s important for Black students here to know that their presence and contributions are welcomed and championed here, so I’m glad this award exists!”

Diana Nziu (U23)

Third-year Human, Social and Political Sciences student