The unique partnership between Villiers Park Educational Trust, and Sopra Steria, will support an additional 1,500 under-represented young people as the charity celebrates its 100th year.
The unique partnership between leading social mobility charity, Villiers Park Educational Trust, and purpose-led digital transformation expert, Sopra Steria, will support an additional 1,500 under-represented young people as the charity celebrates its
100th year.
The collaboration has so far helped more than 1,200 young people to break through barriers and realise their potential, and – as Villiers Park marks its centenary – it has announced Sopra Steria as its principal corporate partner. This strategic
decision will help bring essential growth to the charity in the coming years and allow more young people to access the Future Leaders Programme across the country.
One of the key features of the partnership is the Opportunities Fund, which was launched in response to the cost-of-living crisis and the disproportionate impact this has had on many young people in the UK.
It funds tutoring, revision materials, accreditations, academic subscriptions and professional coaching, whilst also enabling young people to attend university open days and gain invaluable workplace experience through office visits.
The fund also supports students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to gain bespoke training and qualifications. And it has enabled families with Future Leaders from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds to access ESOL courses to support communication with the community, including schools and colleges.
As Villiers Park’s principal partner, Sopra Steria is also providing tailored support to 10 young people undertaking STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees at university. They will receive vital funding from the organisation over the course of their university studies, as well as mentoring, career guidance and work experience, helping them fulfil their ambitions and pursue their chosen career path. The support offered is unconditional, and there will be no obligation
for those on the programme to join the organisation after graduation.
Elsewhere, Sopra Steria will help the charity upscale its work in new areas and expand to new geographies. This, in addition to the current hubs of Hastings and Bexhill, Norwich, Swindon and Tyneside, will mean Villiers Park can reach even more young
people in locations that are currently under-served in youth and educational support programmes.
“I’ve done a lot of brilliant things on the programme. Our coaches have always really taken the time to understand what we want in our future lives, and they’ve helped in the best way they can to get us on that path and towards our goals.”
Aaron, 16, Future Leader, Hastings & Bexhill hub.
“I love the programme. We’ve spent a lot of time on employability skills, which I hadn’t really thought about before, so it’s been great. The university trips have also been brilliant, and really insightful for thinking about
university. I’ve seen so many different universities that my friends or peers haven’t, because they’re not on the programme.” Genevieve, 17, Future Leader, Hastings & Bexhill hub.
“Working with Sopra Steria gives us a fantastic opportunity to expand young people’s horizons and enable them to develop the skills and experiences they can take forward, and make use of, in their futures. Through this partnership, and
as our principal partner, Sopra Steria will enable Villiers Park to expand the reach and impact of our Future Leaders Programme to support more young people from under-represented backgrounds across the country. Together, we can help to change
the landscape of opportunities available to young people, no matter their background, and open them up to a different view of what the future could look like for their possible self." Gaby Sumner, CEO, Villiers Park.
“We’re extremely honoured to become Villiers Park’s principal partner in its 100th year. We’re really passionate about helping young people flourish, and we recognise that everyone benefits from the next generation reaching
their full potential. No young person should be left behind. We know that through our support, we’re making our own small contribution to the bigger picture. We want to help make a difference and our people are extremely committed to doing
so. I’m incredibly proud of all the partnership has achieved so far and can’t wait to support Villiers Park in this next phase of growth.” Adrian Fieldhouse, Managing Director (Government & Transport), Sopra Steria.
Together, we're making a difference. Our partnership with Villiers Park is part of our vision to drive positive change in business and society. The world is how we shape it and we're shaping it for the better.