Project Can Do is an Academy+ funded initiative which aims to instil a 'can do' mindset.

Character development is at the heart of everything Academy+ funds. This means equipping our young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to both engage more fully with school subjects, seek out meaningful career pathways and to fulfil their potentials. 

While young people are full of potential, many of them may not recognise it, or know how to direct it.

We use the concept of developing a new business idea as the vehicle by which students can develop highly desirable and transferable skillsets. These skills include leadership, team working, self confidence, problem solving, resilience and communication. 

Local business people shared their stories and discussed the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, providing valuable insight to participants. Students also took part in activities designed to show them just how much more they can achieve, and were supported to uncover their own hidden skills and interests. The intention is to help students to align their future career paths with their passions and personal values.

The first group of Project Can Do graduates completed the program in 2023 and gave excellent feedback on how the initiative has helped them. 

Hannah, a year 11 Samworth Church Academy student, explains:

"I learnt that you can be successful and make it from scratch. The mentors and speakers showed me that you can do it and you don’t have to have lots of money to start with. I learnt a lot of skills that you don‘t realise you don’t have and that I didn’t even know I was learning."

Fellow student Jack adds:

"I have learnt how to run events as a team and have had support to improve my presentation skills. I would know how to start a business and have learned a range of methods to help me think things through and plan properly."

Academy+ is proud to support Project Can Do, which has now run again through academic year 23-24, supporting around 50 students to realise their potential. With your continued support, the impact on our young people's future will only grow. Co-sponsor and student mentor Russell Price explains:

"In my mind, helping just one student is a success, but we can do more than that with this programme."

Learn more about how you can support Academy+ to continue this vital work here.