The IGNITE Programme

IGNITE is a free, six-month youth development programme from The Raise Up Foundation that brings together young people, mentors, businesses and community leaders to tackle real-world challenges and build skills for the future.

IGNITE empowers young people to design practical solutions to challenges affecting their communities—while developing confidence, capability and a strong sense of purpose.

At its heart, IGNITE is about belief: belief in young people, belief in community, and belief that with the right support, talent can thrive.

IGNITE follows a start-up business style journey.

Young people work in teams to:
► Explore a real local challenge
► Understand the problem and who it affects
► Design and test a practical solution
► Build a clear plan or social enterprise idea
► Pitch their ideas with confidence at a final showcase event

Along the way, participants are supported by trained mentors, inspired by expert input, and connected to real workplaces—bridging the gap between education, work and community impact.

IGNITE is designed to create lasting impact at three levels:
► For young people: confidence, skills, aspiration and opportunity
► For adults and organisations: meaningful ways to support youth and develop future talent
► For communities: fresh ideas, local pride and stronger connections across sectors

Each programme cycle leaves behind not just projects and pitches, but young people who believe in themselves and their ability to shape the future.

IGNITE is open to young people aged 14–18 and is free to take part.

Participants gain:
► Confidence, leadership and self-belief
► Teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills
► Exposure to real careers, workplaces and role models
► Insight into entrepreneurship, technology and the future of work
► Experience they can talk about in interviews, applications and life Young people don’t just learn about change—they learn how to lead it.

Mentors are supporters and facilitators—not subject experts. Full training is provided.

As a mentor, you will:
► Make a tangible difference to young people’s confidence and aspirations
► Support teams to think clearly, work well together and develop ideas
► Build your own coaching, facilitation and leadership skills
► Connect with other mentors, educators, businesses and community leaders
► Be part of a positive, purpose-driven programme with visible impact IGNITE offers a rewarding way to give back while growing personally and professionally. Sign up here.

IGNITE is led by Kailesh Karavadra, whose personal journey—from arriving in the UK as a refugee to becoming a senior business leader, director and part-owner Luton Town Football Club and community advocate—shapes the programme’s core values: belief, opportunity and giving back.

Whether you’re a young person, a professional, or an organisation, there’s a place for you in IGNITE.

► Young people: Take part and build skills for life
► Mentors: Inspire and support the next generation
► Partners: Invest in people, place and possibility

Email: ignite@raiseupluton.co.uk

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