There is a growing belief that youth social action – for example, volunteering in the community, taking part in Scouts or the Duke of Edinburgh Award, or mentoring a younger pupil – makes young people better citizens: better engaged in school, better equipped for work, and more involved in their local communities.
The EEF is working together with the Cabinet Office to evaluate this link rigorously, and test the impact of such extra-curricular activities on pupils’ engagement and attainment at school. The Government is looking to grant up to £2 million over two years from the Youth Social Action Fund to offer financial support to programmes which provide social action opportunities for 10 – 14 year olds and can create positive outcomes for young people. Trials will take place in Middlesbrough and Lancashire in 2014 – 15.
For more information, or to apply, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/youth-social-action-fund