OWN IT Ltd
OWN IT seeks to secure employment related opportunities for disengaged young people in their final years of formal education. We want to 'Make Dreams Come True'.
Our work is based at several secondary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne and targets those who do not attend or who may be struggling at school. Our catch phrase is 'Making Dreams Come True' and behind this phrase is a question that every student on OWN IT's register must answer: "If you could leave school on Friday and start work on Monday, what is it more than anything else in the world that you want to do? " By making the students choice top priority our Employability Mentors seek to re-engage students through tailor made work placements that will provide opportunities for learning, helping them to gain confidence and employability skills. OWN IT is a lifeline for those for whom other approaches may not have worked. Our work has over the years helped to reduce the effects of unemployment and social exclusion in local communities. We have a consistent success rate of over 75% (over 75% of students are in Education, Employment, Training, or actively seeking to be, 4 months from their school leaving date).
OWN IT's dream is to be based in at least one comprehensive school in every Local Authority in England and Wales. It costs in the region of £30,000 for us to operate from 1 school, supporting 25 young people per year. We have secured partial funding from local schools and other organisations but are seeking further funding and remain grateful for all donations that can be made via our website or theBigGive.
