An award winning 7-8 week (Paid) Summer programme aimed at 16–19-year-olds with an introduction to the business world and life skills.-

The focus of the 2024 programme will be on Tech and Innovation.

The Living Bankside Academy Summer Programme brings together a group of Southwark based young people from various backgrounds including those severely disadvantaged such as looked after children.

As part of the programme the young people play a key role in:

- Organising a business networking event for 250+ people (Celebration Event)

- A short film on the theme

- A Journey video

- An invitation video

- Soft Launching/Presenting the idea of a campaign, project etc.

Local, National and International businesses/organisations (including but not limited to Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, WPP, US Embassy and NatWest) participate in the programme to provide training sessions/workshops in their fields of expertise, its relation to the theme and to help develop a number of key skills and fundamentals, including: Public Speaking, Teamwork, Negotiation, Project Management, Event Management, Presenting, Confidence, Copywriting, Scriptwriting, Producing, Filming, Directing, Research and much more.

The Programme is impact measured with a focus on tangible outcomes. Following the programme each student becomes an alumni and is guaranteed 10 years of ad-hoc advice and support. All of the Alumni's are in either further education, a vocational course and/or a job which compliments their long term aspirations.

The 2022 Programme focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Academy Students 2022 - their journey, short film, and project celebration

2022 Student Journey Video

Short Film on Equity Diversity and Inclusion

2022 Celebration Event Video

“To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect when I attended last year’s Living Bankside Academy’s Summer Programme event. ‘The Amazing Eight’ just blew me away from start to finish! I was mesmerised and emotionally drained by each of their powerful presentations proving to everyone in the room (and themselves) that anything is possible if you stay committed and face up to the challenges in life. An enormous amount of work had been put in behind the scenes and it was pleasing to hear that the help and guidance still continued after the Summer Programme was over. The venue was perfect and the hospitality was extremely warm and welcoming.”

Cathy Matthews - Administration Manager, St Olave’s Foundation Fund

“The Academy offered a unique experience unlike any other programme for young people which I have seen. It helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself, my strengths and helped me develop skills which will be essential when entering the world of work. With constant guidance from our mentors, I was able to reach my full potential working collaboratively, but also independently. Overall it was a great experience which I'm so glad to have been a part of. I’ve never seen people so genuinely invested in supporting young people. Living Bankside is serious about helping young people. Even after the Summer programme was finished.”

Hameedah Karim - Living Bankside Academy Student 2022

The 2023 Programme focused on Environmental Sustainability

Videos coming soon

The total cost of the programme is approximately £30,000 per annum. We aim to fund the programme through a mixture of donations, grants and sponsorship.

The funds raised will be used towards (not exhaustive):

- Pay the student stipend

- Purchase necessary equipment

- Pay for lunch and travel expenses

- Production and Filming of the students short film

- Celebration Event costs

- Project Manager's costs

- Monitoring and Evaluation

Please donate generously so we can continue to positively transform the lives of more young people, for generations to come.