Our vision is clear, a generation of young people empowered to be active and responsible citizens, connected with their communities and realising their potential as change-makers.

If we get this right…

Young people take action on social issues that matter them, they develop skills for learning, life and work and grow in confidence and empathy.  They understand opportunities exist in their own community and within the third sector.

Teachers are supported and confidently lead and deliver YPI successfully within their schools.  They have opportunities to develop their own practice, connect with others and feel valued and empowered to maximise the impact of their programme.  Schools develop sustainable and impactful partnerships within the local community.

Charities feel valued and are supported as contributors to young people’s YPI experience, awareness is raised of their social issue and services and they are connected and engaged with schools and future changemakers.

Partners have opportunities to engage with and connect with schools and students, they feel valued through mutually beneficial partnerships that support shared goals.

 

The National Event

Once a year young people, educators, charities and funding partners from all over Scotland come together at our National Event in Perth Concert Hall to celebrate the power of young people and the difference they make through YPI.

Throughout the event young people take centre stage as we hear from student hosts and showcase the standout moments from YPI finalists throughout the year. With an amazing mixture of emotional and aspirational performances guaranteed to take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster.

We also hear from keynote speakers who share their own stories of change-making and offer advice and inspiration to our audience. There’s an opportunity to sing and dance along to brilliant musical performances from local bands and you don’t need to worry about keeping up energy levels with a steady supply of food and drink available for all our guests.

This is our opportunity to say Thank You to everyone who makes YPI happen and we know once you’ve been once you’ll never want to miss it.

TO BE CONFIRMED

Why it matters

Developing Young People

YPI helps young people build the confidence, skills and resilience they need to thrive in education, work and life.

 

Nicole Donnachie’s YPI journey helped her develop valuable skills in research, communication and leadership. Whilst not winning the grant, she was so motivated by her experience, she built relationships with charities and local businesses, raised more than £3,800 for Guide Dogs and received a national volunteering award. Her story shows how YPI equips young people with the confidence and skills to make a lasting difference in their communities.

Broadening Perspectives

New experiences challenge assumptions, spark curiosity and help young people see the world through a wider lens.

 

Caldervale High School students gained first-hand insight into homelessness by taking part in a sponsored overnight sleepout with local charity Diamonds in the Community. Experiencing the cold, discomfort and uncertainty of sleeping rough while hearing from people with lived experience deepened their understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable people in their community.

Building Partnerships

Strong partnerships unlock opportunities, strengthen communities and create greater impact together.

 

YPI brought Perth Grammar School students Lily and Rose together with SHARP, resulting in a £3,000 grant that revived the charity’s annual medical conference after Covid-19 and funding challenges, while creating new opportunities for young people to learn lifesaving CPR skills.

Empowering #GenerationChange

Young people are inspired to take initiative, lead with purpose and make a positive difference in their communities.

 

Young people at Kibble demonstrated the power of youth-led change by championing FEARLESS through their YPI project and securing a £3,000 grant to support the charity’s work. Their insights helped shape improvements to the service, making crime reporting more accessible for young people. Recognised through an award, their contribution shows how young people can use their voices to influence positive change in their communities.

Creating Lasting Legacy

The impact extends far beyond YPI, leaving lasting benefits for individuals, organisations and communities.

 

After taking part in YPI as an S2 pupil at Arran High School in 2014, Leigh Boyd continued her involvement with Arran Youth Foundations, the charity her team supported with a £3,000 grant. The experience inspired her passion for helping others, developed her confidence and advocacy skills, and led to her becoming a youth worker with the organisation, where she now supports young people across Arran.

Our funding partners

Working with likeminded partners supports the sustainability of YPI as we grow the opportunity throughout Scotland.

>> Find out more | Partner zone
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