FROM ASPIRATION TO ACHIEVEMENT

AA Educates empowers students to unlock their full potential and shape ambitious futures.

Through our flagship Shaping Futures Programme, we equip young people with the mindsets, essential skills and real-world experiences needed to confidently transition into further education, employment or entrepreneurship; regardless of their socio-economic background.

 

 

Would you like to know more?

OUR IMPACT - GLADESMORE SECONDARY SCHOOL

imagine buton

A Message From Our Founder

"I understand the challenges faced by underserved communities because I have lived them.

I moved from Jamaica to the U.K, growing up in Lambeth, one of London’s most deprived boroughs. Deprivation and disadvantage were my everyday reality.

By 19, I had become a single parent, lost and directionless. The suicide of a friend and the responsibility of parenthood ignited a change in me. Determined to rewrite my story, I became the first in my family to attend university, qualified as a teacher and dedicated my career to helping young people avoid foregone conclusions. My journey eventually led me to found AA Educates, a personal development programme that bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement for underserved youth.

I lead with empathy, resilience and empowerment—meeting students where they are, understanding their unique challenges and providing the support they need to thrive."

 

THREE DYNAMIC MODULES

Essential Skills 12-weeks

Focuses on personal development, resilience, and self-management. Students build critical thinking, communication, and adaptability skills, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Ideal for students aged 14-16

Students are assessed three times during this module on their development and strengthening of essential skills, through a digital skill builder tracking and reporting system.

Throughout the 12 weeks, students work on a capstone project where they apply what they have learned to solve a real-world problem in their community or school. This project is presented in the final week.

Goal completion: 85% of students report feeling more confident in handling changes and challenges.

Career Skills 12-weeks

Broadens students' perspectives with career workshops, workplace visits, and mentorship. This aligns students' talents with viable career paths, inspiring them to aim higher.

Designed for students aged 16-18

We assess students' aspirations and attitudes towards their futures before and after the module to measure changes in their outlook and motivation.

By the end of the 12 weeks, students present their personal development plans and outline specific steps for their post-school journey.

Goal completion: 95% of students complete a comprehensive career portfolio, showcasing their growth and preparedness for the job market.

Beyond School 6-weeks

Guides students in creating actionable post-programme plans, whether for higher education, entrepreneurship, or entering the workforce. This ensures each student leaves with a clear vision for their future.

Perfect for students aged 16-19

We measure long-term impact and personal growth, ensuring that our efforts are making a sustained and meaningful difference.

Over the course of the 6 weeks, students work on a Career Portfolio that includes:
• A well-crafted CV
• A professional online profile
• A personal statement or cover letter
• A reviewed mock interview performance

Goal completion: 80% of students create clear, actionable post-school plans by the end of the module.

USING OUR 'A.B.C' APPROACH

WE ENCOURAGE THREE POTENTIAL PATHWAYS:

Apprenticeships

for students who would like to train in a career

Building a Business

for students with an entrepreneurial mindset

College or University

for students who would like to further their education

OUR FIVE ESSENTIAL SKILLS

LEADERSHIP, RESILIENCE, CRITIAL THINKING, TEAMWORK & COMMUNICATION:

 

25%
In 2022, 25% of students reported that they were not satisfied with their lives (OECD 2023)
48%
of teachers added that their schools do not formally discuss future careers with their students
82%
of schools felt that pupils would benefit from upskilling to expand their capabilities

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) predicts the total of unemployed young people will soon be over a million.

98%
of our students reported improved well-being attributing this to having accessible support
76,523
hours of postivite impact
77%
of our young people are confident about motivating themselves, through a shift in mindset

PROGRAMME DELIVERY

  • Students are selected by partner schools based on clearly defined criteria. Each cohort consists of 30 students.
  • AA Educates provides a trained facilitator to deliver the programme, supported by a dedicated programme manager, ensuring high-quality delivery.
  • Students participate in weekly two-hour skill-building workshops, focused on developing five essential skills.
  • Partner schools provide a dedicated classroom space and a teaching assistant to assist with the smooth running of each session.
  • Each module includes a minimum of two work experience opportunities and two guest speaker sessions, offering students direct insights into the world of work.
  • Schools receive regular progress updates as well as a Gatsby Benchmark-aligned report and a whole-school assembly per module, impacting the wider school.

     

HOW OUR VALUES HAVE SHAPED INDIVIDUALS:

“I am grateful for the opportunities that I am given and I show appreciation”, expressed GRATITUDE.
“I keep going, even when things get tough or I face a setback”, RESILIENCE recognised.
“I know what I am capable of and I have BELIEF in myself… I am enough”, confirmed CONFIDENCE.
“I am becoming the highest, truest version of myself, filled with abundance”, affirmed AMBITION.
Patern testimonial
PETER GOODYER MBA FRSA
OUR IMPACT
PETER GOODYER MBA FRSA
Headmaster, Bede’s Independent school
“It has been a real privilege to cultivate this partnership and to welcome students to Bede's, to share with them the Bede's ethos and philosophy. Furthermore, having our colleagues volunteer to tutor and mentor has further enhanced the partnership. There is no doubt that there are numerous mutual benefits when schools work together, the diversity of experience is fundamental to our work with AA Educates and the mutual respect between our students is key to that success. It is very encouraging to be a part of this flourishing partnership which has at its heart the development of the students.”
Patern testimonial
The Elm Green School student
OUR IMPACT
The Elm Green School student
Year 10
“With the support of AA Educates, I am confident that I can develop my love of art into a career. I was given an amazing opportunity to work with a professional artist, which felt surreal. I experienced my future and it was bright!”
Patern testimonial
THAVENDRA NADARAJAH
OUR IMPACT
THAVENDRA NADARAJAH
Head of Science, The Elm Green School

“Our students hugely benefited from being on the AA Educates programme and accessed real-life experiences. We now have students who would like to pursue careers in STEM, after attending a practical day of STEM, through AA Educates.”

“I believe the programme acts as a support system for schools and parents by bridging the gap between who the students are and who they can become.”

imagine buton
imagine buton

GET
INVOLVED

Help us shape the next generation
and give back to your community...

872,000 16-24 year olds are not in full-time education or employment (Youth Employment UK, 2024)

Find out how you can be part of the solution.

Fundraising Regulator badge with validation link
Book a call