Supporting innovation

Edge and the Young Foundation have collaborated on Learning Launchpad, a pioneering investment fund to support projects designed to offer young people aged 14 to 25 alternatives to traditional education. The fund will provide project management, funding and marketing support to develop new approaches to practical learning ideas in an education/learning context. Any individual, charity, social enterprise or business with an idea that meets the criteria is welcome to apply.

The Young Foundation’s CV

The Young Foundation and its predecessors were involved in creating more than 60 new ventures, including the Open University, Consumers Association, Education Extra, International Alert and the Economic and Social Research Council as well as precursors to NHS Direct and the Expert Patients Programme.

Why we need this project

It’s often difficult to get new educational ideas off the ground. The Learning Lauchpad will allow people working in education and young people with ideas the financial and practical support they need to create new educational approaches.

Some projects funded to date include: Fastlaners – a pilot to help recent graduates to develop the skills needed to enter the workplace and Arrival Education – which gives young people the chance to experience work placements in some of the most inspirational and aspirational companies.