September 2023 marks 10 years since the launch of Solutions for the Planet. We will be celebrating this wonderful achievement throughout the academic year. To kick things off, here is a reflection from our CEO, Jen Baughan…
“For a decade now, Solutions for the Planet has been a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between young minds and corporate innovation through our Big Ideas Programme and more recently, our Youth Insights Programme. This remarkable journey has seen the programmes support over 34,000 young people aged 11-to- 14, leaving an enduring mark on both mentors and students alike.
The Big Ideas Programme
The Big Ideas Programme, at its core, is about nurturing creativity, resilience, and innovation in the younger generation. It’s about instilling a sense of entrepreneurship and a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. Over the past 10 years, thousands of Big Ideas have sprung forth from these bright minds, each with the potential to reshape industries and drive sustainability.
But the impact of this programme goes beyond just the impressive number of ideas generated. More than 12,000 hours have been dedicated by employee mentors, who have not only shared their expertise but have also found personal growth and fulfillment in guiding the next generation.
“Being involved in the Big Ideas Programme has shown me how the application of creativity and innovation that young people have towards issues they are truly passionate about can be limitless. Their enthusiasm for change is inspiring, it continually challenges me to work towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly way of life.”
Big Ideas Programme Mentor, Tarmac
“For me personally, it was a great project. It gave me a no pressure environment to practice my soft skills. Coming from a construction environment into a school was a complete contrast. Getting the students motivated about a STEM project was a challenge but it was all well worth it in the end. Seeing the team perform in the national final filled me with pride.”
Business Mentor
For young people, the benefits of the Big Ideas Programme are immeasurable. They gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, develop critical STEM skills, and learn about the importance of sustainability – crucial attributes for future leaders in an ever-changing world.
“The Big Ideas Programme is simply fantastic! My students have improved their communication skills, they have expanded their friendship groups, they have become business entrepreneurs, they are so much more confident, not only in communicating, but in their planning skills, in expressing themselves and their ideas… the list is endless. Thank you S4TP !”
Mr Jackson,Teacher, Mayfield School
“The Big Ideas Programme has made me realise that I have unlimited potential”
Big Ideas Programme Student
The S4TP Youth Insights Programme
In 2020 we expanded our offering and launched our exciting Youth Insights Programme which supports some of the largest STEM businesses to run youth panels to advise on projects and policy. In the first two years, the programme has worked with over 50 young people from 28 schools, colleges and other settings and enabled over 1,000 hours of engagement between business and the youth voice.
“Young people are the employees, customers and business entrepreneurs of tomorrow, and it’s crucial that we give them a voice…It’s equally crucial that we listen to these voices, and our panel of 14 to 19-year-olds will be able to influence our senior leaders as we make the big decisions that will affect future generations.”
Mark Horseley – Chief Executive Officer, Northern Gas Networks
“The Young Innovators Council has resulted in future customers’ views being considered in the design of programmes and proposals which will result in greater levels of engagement by young people. We encourage other companies to adopt a similar approach to the facilitation of this group which has clearly enabled some of the seldom heard voices to come to the fore.”
Jenny Saunders – Chair of Northern Gas Networks’ Community Engagement Group
I’m very excited for the future of our S4TP Youth Insights Programme and can’t wait to share with you the big plans we have for 2024!
10 years ago, Kat Luckock and I took over the Big Ideas Programme and launched Solutions for the Planet as a team of 2. A decade on, we have grown our workforce of dedicated, inspiring and highly talented colleagues to a team of 7 (soon to be 8) with a further 8 people on the board and a community of thousands!
Our values of sustainability, collaboration, innovation and integrity are at the heart of everything that we do. I strongly believe in the work that we do and am still as passionate about bringing together the youth voice with the experience of businesses as I was 10 years ago. Now more than ever, we need to reflect and learn from the younger generation to ensure we create a future worthy of them. Solutions for the Planet is only just getting started…bring on the next 10 years!”