ASPIRATION TO ACHIEVEMENT

AA Educates is a social impact organisation committed to bridging the gap between education and opportunity. We support young people from communities with limited opportunities, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and gain real world experiences to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom.

Our work sits at the intersection of education, social mobility and industry, connecting young people to opportunities in emerging sectors. By partnering with schools, communities and forward thinking organisations, we create meaningful pathways into further education, employment and entrepreneurship.

At our core, we believe that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not and we are committed to changing that. Our flagship Shaping Futures Programme is part of that mission; supporting young people aged 14–24.

 

Would you like to know more?

CELEBRATING OUR IMPACT

“So glad to have met Andrine... amazing woman.” - Deborah Meaden

 

BBC’s 'One Big Thank You' recognised our dedication to helping young people believe in themselves, grow in confidence, and access opportunities that can truly shape their futures.

At AA Educates, this is what drives us every day. We see young people discover their strengths, build resilience, and begin to see possibilities they may not have imagined before.

Being featured on a national platform was a proud moment for our team, but more importantly, it was a celebration of the young people at the heart of everything we do.

We invite you to watch our story and see the impact in action.

 

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SHAPING FUTURES PROGRAMME

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 young people aged 15-24

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 a young person's perspectives through career workshops, workplace visits, and mentorship. This aligns students' talents with viable career paths, inspiring them to aim higher.

Designed for students aged 16-24

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.

SEND - Adapted Skills

For pupils with autism, ADHD, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and other additional learning requirements.

What we deliver:

  • Small group delivery (8-12 pupils)
    with multi-modal, scaffolded instruction
  • Essential life skills: communication, self-regulation, resilience, teamwork
  • Sensory-aware delivery,personalised support and 1:1 mentoring
    Career exploration adapted to individual learning profiles

 

Measurable outcomes:

  • Improved communication and social skills
  • Enhanced emotional regulation and confidence
  • Greater independence and self-advocacy
  • Evidence for ISI standards on pupil
    development (SMSC)

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 OVERVIEW

Shaping Futures is a dynamic, youth-centred programme designed to equip young people aged 14–19 with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in education, employment and beyond. Co-designed alongside young people with lived-experiences, the programme offers a holistic blend of one-to-one and group mentorship, engaging workshops, industry experiences and job shadowing.

Delivered in partnership with schools, colleges and local authorities, Shaping Futures is embedded into school timetables or delivered in own our classrooms. Each young person is supported by trained facilitators and mentors, with oversight from a dedicated programme manager to ensure consistent quality and impact.

By focusing on personal development, career readiness and wellbeing, Shaping Futures raises aspirations, supports positive life choices and helps young people shape brighter futures.

     

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.”

READ MORE ABOUT HOW OUR WORK HAS MADE AN IMPACT IN SHAPING YOUNG PEOPLES FUTURES

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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.

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