Young people in Scarborough are being given a second chance at education thanks to grant funding from the Woodsmith Foundation.

Futureworks NY provides an alternative to traditional schooling for students aged 14 and above who are unable to remain in mainstream education due to personal challenges.

The organisation has received a £10000 grant from the Woodsmith Foundation to help teenagers work towards functional skills qualifications in English and maths as part of its City & Guilds registered programme.

Demand for Futureworks’ tailored education and life skills support is so high that 50 young people are currently enrolled, with another 50 on the waiting list. The programme runs year-round and focuses on individualised timetables and wider support to ensure every young person progresses at their own pace.

Michelle Padron-Kitching, Co-Founder of Futureworks NY, said:
“This grant means we can continue to provide a safe, supportive environment for young people who find mainstream schooling challenging. Watching them grow in confidence, make friends and strive towards qualifications is rewarding. Thanks to the grant from the Woodsmith Foundation, alongside our other funders, we can keep changing lives.”

Leah Swain, CEO of the Woodsmith Foundation, said: “We are proud to support Futureworks NY in their mission to give young people a second chance at education and personal growth. Their approach not only equips young people with qualifications but also builds resilience, confidence, and essential life skills. This is exactly the kind of impact the Foundation aims to achieve in our communities.”

For more information or to refer a young person, visit futureworksny.co.uk.