May's Milestones: Celebrating New Partnerships and Community Impact

May has been a dynamic month at Inspire 2 Ignite, brimming with exciting projects and deep community engagement. Our programmes are doing more than reaching individuals—they are transforming lives by equipping young people with practical skills and inspiring experiences.

Dive into this month’s newsletter to discover the impacts we’ve made and celebrate the exciting new partnerships we've formed to benefit even more young people.

Raising Aspirations with MK:U

Inspire 2 Ignite collaborated with MK:U and industry experts to host an impactful "Raising Aspirations Day" in Milton Keynes. The event engaged Year 12 students in entrepreneurial workshops, skill-building challenges, and self-awareness activities, designed to boost their confidence and expand their future aspirations.

Participants explored their unique talents and forged new friendships, gaining both insights and inspiration from the day's interactions. Charlotte Marsh and Sian Cox from our partners Hill Group UK and Bidwells supported the self-awareness session, while Curious Entrepreneur Luka Green and Community Manager Alex Richards led the young people through an entrepreneurial workshop.

For more details on this transformative experience, read the full story here.

Kicking Off a Partnership with Sports Local Action

Over the past few months we have been building a relationship with Sport Local Action , culminating in an exciting new collaboration to create a sports leavers programme. This initiative is close to our hearts, reflecting CEO Sam Squire 's personal journey and commitment to supporting athletes beyond the game. The programme aims to equip athletes with essential life skills, ensuring they thrive both during and after their sports careers.

The combination of Sport Local Action’s connection to community and sport, paired with Inspire 2 Ignite’s unique approach to engaging young people with the economy, is a powerful force.

We were honoured to attend the Football Business Awards this month, where several football clubs, design agencies, and ex-professional players committed to supporting the co-design of the programme. We look forward to bringing you updates on this collaboration as it progresses.

Energising Futures and Cultivating Growth: Updates From Our Alternative Provision Programme

This month, participants from one of our Cambridge Cohorts visited the RWE Power Station in Little Barford. The visit included a tour of the facilities, providing the young people with invaluable insights into the energy industry and the operations of a major power station. One standout moment occurred when a young participant, using our curious questions approach, asked the General Manager what motivates him to come to work every day. This interaction beautifully highlighted the depth of engagement and understanding that our programmes foster.

Simultaneously, we've wrapped up a successful first term with our Wisbech Cohort. The students have made significant progress, transforming previously disruptive behaviour into increased engagement and enjoyment in their learning. Highlights of the term included music production sessions, where students created their own beats and lyrics, and cooking classes that not only taught practical skills but also facilitated discussions on nutrition and health. These activities are designed to merge educational content with real-world applications, making learning both impactful and enjoyable.

Both cohorts are testament to the transformative impact of our Alternative Provision Programme, as we continue to tailor experiences that meet the unique needs and unlock the potential of each young person involved.

Youth Coach Lewis Vernum (BSc) commented,

"It's been amazing to see the progress in a short space of time, both of individuals and the group as a whole. It's a pleasure to be part of their journey so far, and I feel we are building a strong team together."

Igniting Curiosity at Peterborough Celebrates Festival

Inspire 2 Ignite made a memorable debut at the Peterborough Celebrates Festival, engaging over 700 young attendees through our Curious Corner. The event was a vibrant showcase of curiosity and exploration, as we facilitated meaningful interactions and sparked thoughtful conversations among the youth about their futures. This festival served as a perfect platform to promote educational and personal growth, highlighting the importance of interactive learning experiences in inspiring young minds and broadening their horizons. We were supported by Ignite Champion Marium Ullah from our partners SMD Ltd , whose involvement was instrumental in the success of our activities.

Discover more about our activities and the impact they had at the festival here.

Spotlight on Riley: From Debut to Airwaves

Remember Riley, the superstar DJ from our Next Step Event in April? We're excited to share his latest achievement! Riley recently appeared on In2beats 106.5FM Bedfords Radio with the fantastic Jennifer Mckenzie . During the show, he showcased his DJ skills, shared his journey, and announced that he has secured his first official DJ set in Cambridge this summer. At just 14 years old, Riley is passionately pursuing his dream, and we can't wait to see where it takes him! Keep an eye on this rising star!

You can listen back to Riley’s full interview and enjoy his mix here.

Funding Success: Building The Future at The Curious Clubhouse

We are pleased to announce that we have received funding from the Postcode Places Trust thanks to funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery . This funding will be instrumental in developing the tech suite at our first Curious Clubhouse. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create a dedicated space for innovation and learning, empowering young people with the technology and tools they need to thrive in today’s digital world.

Curious About Ice-Cream: A Sweet Success Story

This month culminated in an extraordinary display of young entrepreneurial spirit with our "Curious About Ice Cream" programme. Over four weeks, we worked with nine young people from a local SEN school and the wider community, guiding them through the process of building and marketing their own ice cream brand. Their efforts were rewarded with an impressive ￡400 in sales, which was joyfully split among the participants.

The success of the programme went beyond financial gains; it was about the personal growth and achievements of the young people involved. One parent shared, "The impact of the programme hasn't just stopped there, as my child's recent challenges with anxiety and depression stopped when taking part in these inspirational activities."

Read the full story here to see how our participants turned their ice cream dreams into reality.

Partnership Opportunity - Transforming Education With The Curious Clubhouse

As we embark on establishing our first Curious Clubhouse, we seek to forge partnerships with philanthropic individuals and corporate sponsors who are passionate about innovative community solutions. By funding our work, you enable us to expand our offerings and positively impact thousands of young people.

Partnering with Inspire 2 Ignite offers an unparalleled opportunity to redefine educational success for our youth, empowering future generations. Join us on a journey that is permanently and positively alternative.

If you would like to find out more contact [email protected]

2024 Impact Snapshot

As we reflect on the accomplishments of May, our impact numbers not only represent milestones but also the collective efforts of our community, partners, and the young people themselves. These statistics illustrate transformative journeys marked by empowerment, growth, and achievement. They showcase how collaborative efforts can bring about significant changes in the lives of young people. Each number in this snapshot highlights the powerful outcomes of our joint endeavours, underscoring our shared commitment to nurturing potential and expanding opportunities.

As we close another chapter with our May newsletter, we're reminded of the extraordinary power of collaboration and community in driving impactful change. This month has been a testament to what we can achieve when we come together—celebrating new partnerships, embracing opportunities, and making real differences in the lives of young people. Our journey continues with the steadfast support of each member of our community, from volunteers to partners to the inspiring young individuals we serve. Let's keep this momentum going, fuelled by our shared commitment to creating a brighter, more empowered future for all.

If you want to get more involved or find out how you can help, don’t hesitate to reach out.