In October, Team Academy for Social Change successfully launched its inaugural Futuremakers programme—an inspiring initiative designed to immerse young people in the world of community changemaking and social action. Futuremakers is a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with community impact projects while developing key entrepreneurial skills. Through this programme, Team Academy aims to cultivate the next generation of social change leaders, equipping them with the mindset, tools, and skills to drive meaningful change in their communities.
In October, Team Academy for Social Change successfully launched its inaugural Futuremakers programme—an inspiring initiative designed to immerse young people in the world of community changemaking and social action. Futuremakers is a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with community impact projects while developing key entrepreneurial skills. Through this programme, Team Academy aims to cultivate the next generation of social change leaders, equipping them with the mindset, tools, and skills to drive meaningful change in their communities.
The pilot programme, which took place from 21st to 25th October, saw six enthusiastic participants, aged 20 to 26, come together to tackle real-world challenges through creative problem-solving. Aligned with the SFEDI Level 1 Award in Enterprising Skills and Employability, Futuremakers combines modules from this qualification with Team Academy's experiential learning approach. The result? A week full of interactive, skills-focused workshops that sparked innovation, teamwork, and purpose-driven action.
Building Skills for Change
Futuremakers was designed to help young changemakers understand how social action and enterprise can intersect to create impactful solutions. Throughout the week, participants explored essential entrepreneurial concepts, including teamwork, creative thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—all vital skills for making an impact in today’s world. With guidance from experienced mentors, they dove into each of these skills, learning not just through theory but through direct, hands-on practice.
The programme’s methodology, based on the Team Academy’s renowned coached learning approach, encourages participants to learn by doing. By engaging with real community issues, participants gained valuable insights into the world of social change, strengthening their abilities to think critically and present information confidently.
Rising to the Challenge: Developing Community Space at Lincoln Central Market
One of the programme's highlights was a community-centered challenge set by City of Lincoln Council. Participants were tasked with developing concepts for the community space at the newly refurbished Lincoln Central Market. This challenge not only brought practical experience into the classroom but also allowed participants to engage with a meaningful project that has real potential to impact their community.
Over the course of the week, the participants brainstormed, collaborated, and refined their ideas, ultimately presenting their concepts to representatives from the City of Lincoln Council. Their solutions showcased fresh perspectives and thoughtful approaches to creating a vibrant, inclusive community space that would serve Lincoln residents and visitors alike.
From Ideas to Impact: Future Opportunities for Futuremakers
The pilot programme was not only a success in terms of skill-building and project completion but also opened doors for the participants. Impressed with the quality and creativity of the proposed solutions, the City of Lincoln Council is now exploring ways to offer these budding changemakers paid opportunities to bring their ideas to life. This exciting development is a testament to the power of Futuremakers in connecting young people with real-world opportunities to drive positive change.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Futuremakers Programme
With the success of the pilot programme, Team Academy is already looking toward the future, with plans to expand Futuremakers to reach more aspiring changemakers across the community. By continuing to partner with local organizations and creating pathways for hands-on learning, Team Academy hopes to empower a wider network of young people with the skills, confidence, and motivation to tackle pressing community challenges.
Join the Movement for Change
The Futuremakers programme exemplifies Team Academy's commitment to fostering a generation of socially conscious, skilled, and driven young leaders. By blending enterprise concepts with community-focused projects, Futuremakers offers a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional education. For those interested in creating a positive impact and gaining valuable skills, Futuremakers is a chance to start making a difference today.
To learn more about the Futuremakers programme, upcoming cohorts, or how you can support this initiative, visit the Team Academy website. Together, let's continue to support young leaders and create a future where communities flourish through innovation and social action.
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