At Our Community Foundation, we believe in giving young people the tools, opportunities, and support they need to shape their futures. Our Youth Futures pillar is at the heart of this vision, working in close partnership with the East Birmingham Regeneration Team, HS2, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), local colleges and partners to create pathways to success for young people in one of Birmingham’s most vibrant yet under-resourced areas.
Through Youth Futures, we’re committed to designing and delivering programmes that not only equip young people with the skills they need but also offer hands-on work experience and connections to secure long-term employment. These efforts are aimed at providing practical, actionable support that gives young people the confidence to step into the workforce with the experience and qualifications they need to succeed.
Each year, we are proud to support 200 young people as they take the next steps toward positive destinations, be it in further education, apprenticeships, or full-time employment. Our programme provides a vital bridge for young people looking to break into the workforce, and 50 young people annually secure stable employment as a result of our dedicated efforts.
However, we don’t stop there. Recognising that entrepreneurship and enterprise are key drivers of local economic growth, we also explore opportunities for young people to develop their own ventures. By investing in and reinvesting funds, we aim to create a thriving local economy where young people are empowered to become employers, not just employees. This is about much more than securing a job; it’s about fostering a culture of entrepreneurship where young people have the opportunity to shape their own futures, create jobs, and reinvest in their communities.
The Youth Futures pillar is designed to open doors to a world of possibilities, from hands-on training with HS2 to building business acumen through college partnerships. By equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in today’s dynamic job market, we’re building a foundation for a future where East Birmingham’s youth don’t just survive — they thrive.
In the coming years, we envision the Youth Futures programme growing to reach even more young people, ensuring they have the opportunities to succeed and contribute to the local economy in meaningful ways. Together, with our partners and the local community, we are paving the way for a brighter future — one where young people from East Birmingham can truly see their potential and make it a reality.