Pledge One Thing - Project Summary In collaboration with Capital City Group College, ACED Project CIC and Open Creates launched “Pledge One Thing,” a youth-led initiative aimed at raising awareness about the challenges Care Leavers face in securing meaningful employment - especially amid the rising cost of living. Business Level 1 & 2 students were tasked with: - Researching the Care Leaver experience - Creating a life-changing presentation - Crafting an elevator pitch and brand identity - Producing a 60-second film to communicate their idea The project culminated in a student-led event at the Business Design Centre, where local businesses were invited to hear pitches and commit to “Pledge One Thing” to support vulnerable young people - whether through job opportunities, mentorship, or practical resources

“Pledge One Thing,” has created a ripple of positive impact across multiple layers of the community. Here's how each group has benefited: Community Impact Raised Awareness: The project spotlighted the challenges care leavers face, fostering empathy and understanding across the borough. Strengthened Local Networks: It brought together education, business, and social sectors, encouraging collaboration and shared responsibility. Inspired Civic Engagement: Residents and businesses were invited to take tangible action, reinforcing a culture of support and inclusion. Student Impact Real-World Experience: Students applied business theory to a live brief, gaining hands - on skills in pitching, branding, and event planning. Empowerment Through Purpose: Working on a socially meaningful challenge gave students a sense of agency and pride in their work. Professional Exposure: Presenting to local businesses offered networking opportunities and a taste of professional environments. Local Business Impact Community Connection: Businesses deepened their ties to the local community by supporting care leavers and engaging with young talent. Corporate Social Responsibility: The “Pledge One Thing” initiative allowed businesses to contribute in practical, manageable ways - whether offering mentorship, discounts, or job opportunities. Talent Pipeline: Meeting motivated students gave businesses a glimpse of future employees and collaborators. Care Leaver Impact Visibility and Advocacy: The project gave care leavers a platform, making their struggles and strengths visible to those in power. Pathways to Support: The pledges from businesses opened doors to resources, opportunities, and networks that might otherwise be inaccessible. Hope and Validation: Knowing that their community cares and is willing to act can be a powerful motivator and emotional boost. This initiative didn’t just educate - it mobilized. It turned empathy into action, and ideas into impact. If you'd like, I can help draft a summary report or a press release to showcase these outcomes. Could you summarize the project's goals and achievements? Absolutely! Here's a concise summary of the “Pledge One Thing” project: Project Goals Raise awareness about the challenges care leavers face in securing meaningful employment. Empower students to use business skills for social impact. Engage local businesses to make tangible pledges that support care leavers. Foster collaboration between education, enterprise, and community sectors. Key Achievements Student-led innovation: Business Level 1 & 2 students developed pitches, brand identities, and short films to advocate for care leavers. Community engagement: Students presented their ideas to local businesses, inspiring pledges ranging from job opportunities to essential resources. Real-world experience: Students planned and hosted a professional event at the Business Design Centre, gaining valuable project management and public speaking skills. Support mobilized: Businesses across the borough committed to “Pledge One Thing,” creating a network of support for care leavers facing financial and social barriers. This initiative didn’t just teach - it activated. It gave students purpose, care leavers visibility, and businesses a chance to make a difference. Capital City Group College annual report 2024/5 highlights the project and its impact and can be submitted if needed.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration