Buurtcampus

What Buurtcampus does

Buurtcampus is a non-commercial educational community program operated by the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) in partnership with the Openbare Bibliotheek van Amsterdam (OBA). Founded in 2008 and headquartered at HvA Amstelcampus, it operates three neighborhood-based learning campuses in Amsterdam districts: Nieuw-West (OBA Geuzenveld), Oost (OBA Linnaeus), and Zuidoost (OBA Ganzenhoef). The organization employs 19 staff members and serves as a structured bridge between higher education and grassroots community needs, embedding HvA students directly into neighborhood programs where they earn study credits while delivering services to residents.

The portfolio spans educational support programs (De Keukentafel supporting ~160 families annually, De Bonusklas serving ~120 children), digital literacy services (Hulp bij Digitaal), health initiatives (Sociale Sportschool, HARTstikke gezond cardiovascular screenings, VIEW research program), social-cohesion activities (De Taaltafel language practice, Bakkie in de Bieb, badminton and jeu de boules clubs), and community knowledge alliances on loneliness and sustainability. In the most recent reported year, Buurtcampus engaged 1,200+ students from 28 HvA programs generating approximately 7,000 study points, served 6,000+ residents, and collaborated with 150+ local partner organizations. Distribution is exclusively through physical co-location with OBA library branches and partner community centers; there is no digital product, app, or proprietary technology stack.

The business model is non-commercial. Buurtcampus does not charge participants and does not generate service revenue. Funding flows from HvA institutional budgets, with supplementary municipal and program-specific grants (including from Gemeente Amsterdam, Hartstichting, and Nationaal Programma Samen Nieuw-West). Recent product launches in 2025 include the printed Buurtcampuskrant, the Bieb in Bloei social-green project at OBA Linnaeus, and the Talen van Amsterdam multilingual exhibition. The program is not a legal entity separate from HvA and has no venture, equity, or external ownership structure.

Name

Buurtcampus

Legal name

Buurtcampus

Website

https://buurtcampusoost.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Buurtcampus is a non-profit educational community program of the Hogeschool van Amsterdam and OBA, operating three neighborhood campuses in Amsterdam where HvA students earn study credits while delivering free educational, digital, health, and social services to local residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Institutional Funding: Buurtcampus is funded through the Hogeschool van Amsterdam as part of its educational mission. The program derives its budget from the HvA's institutional funding, with additional support from municipal partnerships and possibly government subsidies for community initiatives. No commercial revenue is generated from services to residents.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

Buurtcampus is a community learning environment run by the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA) in collaboration with the Openbare Bibliotheek van Amsterdam (OBA). It connects university students with neighborhood residents and local organizations across three Amsterdam districts (Nieuw-West, Oost, Zuidoost) through programs in family support, after-school education, digital assistance, health screening, language practice, sports, sustainability, and social cohesion. All services are provided free of charge to participants.

Product overview

Buurtcampus is a learning environment by Hogeschool van Amsterdam in partnership with Openbare Bibliotheek van Amsterdam (OBA), operating three neighborhood campuses (Nieuw-West, Oost, Zuidoost) in Amsterdam. The offering includes educational support programs (De Keukentafel, De Bonusklas), digital assistance (Hulp bij Digitaal), health initiatives (Sociale Sportschool, HARTstikke gezond, Vitaliteit in de Wijk), green community projects (Bieb in Bloei, De Groene Kans), social activities (Badminton Club, Jeu de Boules, Bakkie in de Bieb), language support (De Taaltafel), and consultation services (Het Spreekuur). These programs connect HvA students with local residents to address neighborhood challenges in sustainability, inclusivity, literacy, vitality, and equal opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• De Keukentafel Multidisciplinary program in which first-year HvA students from Pedagogy, Social Work, and Applied Psychology support families across 15 weeks, focusing on building good home learning environments and increasing parental involvement. Designed for elementary-school families in Nieuw-West and Zuidoost.
• De Bonusklas After-school program for children in groups 3-6 from Slotermeer and Geuzenveld, focused on increasing learning enjoyment, vocabulary, socio-emotional and academic skills, and talent development, supported by first-year HvA students.
• Hulp bij Digitaal Walk-in helpdesk at OBA locations where Social Work and Applied Psychology students assist residents with digital questions, including government services, smartphones, tablets, and DigiD applications.
• Het Spreekuur Low-threshold walk-in consultation service in Zuidoost where third-year HvA students provide advice on finances, health, education, sustainability, and other topics under professional supervision.
• Sociale Sportschool Program where Fysiotherapie students join bootcamps with elderly residents in wheelchairs or with walkers, combined with a social component, running September through April in collaboration with Cordaan and Sociale Sportschool. 90%+ of participants reported more exercise, increased happiness, and life enrichment.
• Bieb in Bloei Social-green project at OBA Linnaeus featuring a plant-cutting exchange, seed library, facade garden, and biodiversity books, connecting green initiatives with the neighborhood community.
• De Groene Kans Food-waste reduction initiative distributing leftover bread, vegetables, and fruit from local stores to residents, fostering community connections and sustainable practices.
• HARTstikke gezond Health screening program where students perform free checks on blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI, and waist circumference, followed by personalized lifestyle consultations, in collaboration with Hartstichting and Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality.
• Vitaliteit in de Wijk (VIEW) Research program where students from Fysiotherapie, Voeding & Diëtetiek, Oefentherapie, and various minors collaborate with residents and organizations on health and vitality questions in Amsterdam-Zuidoost.
• De Taaltafel Low-threshold language-practice initiative where residents work on improving Dutch speaking skills under guidance of volunteers and Buurtcampus interns.
• Bakkie in de Bieb Weekly coffee and conversation gathering at OBA Linnaeus where residents can meet new people, have conversations, and learn from student-led workshops.
• Badminton Club Free badminton sessions for all levels where residents can meet new neighbors and play together.
• Jeu de Boules Groep Walking and jeu de boules activity in Amsterdam Oost where participants discover different jeu de boules locations in the neighborhood.
• Natuurwandeling Weekly nature walk in Frankendaelpark organized by IPZ students, followed by coffee and tea at OBA Linnaeus during Bakkie in de Bieb.
• Kennisalliantie Eenzaamheid Collaboration of organizations, residents, volunteers, professionals, and students from Amsterdam Nieuw-West developing knowledge about combating loneliness.
• Kennisalliantie Duurzaamheid Coalition enabling an inclusive and just energy transition in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, exchanging knowledge on sustainability themes including energy transition, greening, circular economy, food, and climate adaptation.
• Lang Leven Thuisflats Project where HvA students support flat residents with digital skills and movement activities, with Ergotherapie students providing individual support for digital questions.
• Amstelhuis Project at Amstelhuis where Ergotherapie and IPZ students support residents with health, self-reliance, and digital skills through weekly digi-spreekuur and Fit met Pit classes.
• Buurtcampuskrant Printed neighborhood newspaper featuring stories from employees, students, neighborhood partners, teachers, residents, and Buurtcampus staff, designed as a mobile art piece.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,200+ students participated in 2025, generating 7,000 study points through neighborhood projects
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary institutional partner and parent organization. HvA provides funding, student resources, faculty supervision, and administrative infrastructure. The Buurtcampus is an official HvA initiative embedded in its educational mission.
• Openbare Bibliotheek van Amsterdam (OBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder and primary physical location provider. OBA hosts Buurtcampus facilities in three library branches across Amsterdam districts, providing community spaces and access to existing visitor networks.
• HartstichtingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on HARTstikke Gezondweken program for cardiovascular health screening and lifestyle counseling in Amsterdam neighborhoods.
• Centre of Expertise Urban VitalitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHVA center that supports health-related projects including HARTstikke Gezond and other vitality initiatives.
• Sociale SportschoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for bootcamp programs combining elderly residents with student athletes for physical activity and social connection.
• CordaanmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare organization collaborating on elderly care programs, day activities, and the Sociale Sportschool initiative.
• Basisscholen Nieuw-West and ZuidoostmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal elementary schools partner with De Keukentafel and De Bonusklas programs for family and child support.
• Gemeente AmsterdamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner supporting neighborhood programs and community initiatives through policy alignment and funding.
• WeerproofminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate adaptation organization partnering on the 'Klimaat en Eerlijkheid' minor focused on neighborhood climate challenges.
• Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner collaborating on multilingual Amsterdam research project and community language initiatives.
• De OpgroeiwijkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal organization co-hosting family days and child development programs in Nieuw-West.
• Stichting LeergeldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting educational opportunities for children; partner in De Keukentafel program.
• Ouder-en KindTeamsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent and child support teams collaborating on family programs.
• GGD AmsterdammajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal health service partnering on health checks, senior events, and rollator inspections.
• Kennisalliantie Eenzaamheid partners (VoorUit, Stichting Combiwel Buurtwerk, VU, etc.)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition addressing loneliness in Nieuw-West through research, workshops, and community programs.
• Kennisalliantie Duurzaamheid partners (VU, VoorUit, etc.)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition working on inclusive energy transition, greening, circular economy, food, and climate adaptation in Nieuw-West.
• Centre of Expertise Rechtvaardige StadmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHvA research center focused on social justice, operating at Buurtcampus locations in four Amsterdam districts.
• Project De ToekomstmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth and parent platform working on educational equality and community empowerment in Zuidoost.
• Vivell (formerly Venzo and Swazoom Welzijn)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelfare organization in Zuidoost focused on children, youth, and adults; partners on movement and health programs.
• Stichting Buurvrouwennetwerk GaasperdamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen's network organization led by Haidy Bijnaar, organizing senior events and community activities.
• Stichting HeartlinQminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation by Marja Remesar providing food distribution, community meals, and elderly support.
• Buurthuis PluspuntminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity center in Nieuw-West hosting activities including Groene Kans food distribution.
• Stichting de Groene KansminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization fighting food waste by distributing surplus food to neighborhood residents.
• Stichting de BrugminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulticultural community center in Geuzenveld hosting BuurtBuik soup kitchen.
• BuurtBuikminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization fighting food waste by cooking meals from surplus food, operating at Stichting de Brug.
• Stichting EigenwijksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization hosting the Motuin and Robinatuin community gardens.
• Nationaal Programma Samen Nieuw-West (NPSNW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational program with 65 partners working on urban challenges in Nieuw-West; HvA is a signed partner.
• VoorUitmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization collaborating on education and research initiatives in Nieuw-West.
• Community Service Learning Team VUminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree University Amsterdam team partnering on community service learning workshops.
• De Groene Kans (as standalone)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly food distribution program at Pluspunt, combining food waste reduction with community building.
• Motuin and RobinatuinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity gardens managed by Sameena Safiruddin and volunteers, hosting green workshops and events.
• City Deal Kennis MakenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational initiative supporting knowledge alliances including Eenzaamheid and Duurzaamheid coalitions.
• Fit in OostminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal fitness organization partnering on cardiovascular health programs.
• LOA FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting health initiatives in Amsterdam Oost.
• Jongerenplatform LOTUSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth platform founded by Obaa Yaa Amankwah, focusing on youth and parent empowerment in Zuidoost.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Kennisland: Kennisland is a Dutch foundation focused on knowledge innovation in society, operating at a broader national level than Buurtcampus but addressing adjacent themes of university-community knowledge exchange and societal impact of higher education.

Direct peers

• Hogeschool Utrecht: Hogeschool Utrecht is another major Dutch applied sciences university running community-based learning, civic engagement, and societal projects comparable to Buurtcampus's HvA-based model, serving similar student and resident populations in a different Dutch city.
• Universiteit van Amsterdam: UvA is a research partner of Buurtcampus on multilingual Amsterdam initiatives and community projects. As Amsterdam's research university, UvA runs comparable civic engagement and community-based research programs in the same city.
• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: VU Amsterdam operates a Community Service Learning team that partners directly with Buurtcampus on workshops and knowledge alliances (Kennisalliantie Eenzaamheid, Duurzaamheid). Both institutions run university-community engagement programs in Amsterdam with similar civic learning models.

Emerging players

• NHL Stenden Hogeschool: NHL Stenden is a Dutch applied sciences university with community engagement and service-learning programs in the northern Netherlands, operating with a comparable model of student-community collaboration on local challenges.
• Avans Hogeschool: Avans Hogeschool is a Dutch applied sciences university with community-based learning and societal engagement programs in Brabant, comparable to Buurtcampus's HvA model but in a different region. It demonstrates a similar pattern of embedding students in regional community challenges.
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences: Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen operates community-based research and learning programs comparable to Buurtcampus, including similar civic engagement, neighborhood projects, and student-resident partnerships in the northern Netherlands.
• ROC van Amsterdam: ROC van Amsterdam is the largest vocational education institution in the Amsterdam region, operating MBO programs with community-based learning components. It serves a similar lower-income and diverse student population in Amsterdam and runs comparable societal engagement programs.

Others

• Pakhuis de Zwijger: Pakhuis de Zwijger is an Amsterdam-based platform for civic engagement, debate, and urban issues. It addresses overlapping themes of community connection and city-making but operates as a venue/program platform rather than a service-learning program.
• Stichting Leergeld: Stichting Leergeld is a Dutch foundation supporting educational opportunities for children from low-income families and is an active partner in Buurtcampus's De Keukentafel program. They operate in the same educational-equality and child-support space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/buurtcampus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Buurtcampus