Youth Enterprise Project (YEP) is an exciting enterprise and fundraising activity for secondary school students*. An opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills, work collaboratively as a team, learn about leadership, have some healthy community competition, and build their confidence through real-world project management.
Supporting careers education and Gatsby Benchmark outcomes, YEP is an ideal enrichment opportunity to develop skills for students’ future education and career paths, all whilst raising vital funds to support their local hospice.
*YEP is open to secondary school students in Years 7-11.
Why should my school take part?
Students taking part in YEP will:
- Develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills
- Gain practical experience in planning, budgeting and marketing
- Learn directly from experienced business mentors
- Build confidence through managing real events and fundraisers
- Supports future college, university and job applications
- Make real impact in their local community.
Take part! It’s such a good cause and students get a great learning experience out of it. It’s so good for future endeavours like university. I used YEP in my personal statement because I’m taking Business Management and I got offers from all my university choices, so I’m very happy! Mia Ogden, 2025 YEP participant from Burgess Hill Girls and first Future Fundraiser Award winner
Turn £50 into £1500 (or more!)
Students work together to plan, market and deliver their own fundraising activities with seed money of £50. Gaining hands-on experience in project management, budgeting, marketing and problem solving.
Learn from experienced professionals
You’ll have access to experienced mentors who will guide you throughout the project in areas like marketing, budgeting, and planning. St Catherine’s Fundraising Team will also be on hand to help you maximise your fundraising and provide additional guidance where needed.
Celebrate your success!
Students attend a special Awards Night where they’ll reflect on their learning, and showcase and celebrate their wonderful achievements. We will end the evening with an awards ceremony and trophy giving.
We’d wholeheartedly recommend the Youth Enterprise Project to any school considering getting involved. It’s a brilliant blend of learning, fun, and giving something back. Dr Valerie Khambata from Hazelwick School
Dates For Your Diary
Wednesday 27 January 2027 – Launch Night: Kickstart your fundraising! All schools join us in person for our Launch Night, where we provide you with everything you’ll need to get your fundraising started.
Monday 19 April 2027 – Project Ends: All fundraising events must be completed and monies sent to St Catherine’s.
Thursday 29 April 2027 – Awards Night: We will celebrate all your efforts at our Awards Night, where you will present how your team used your seed money. And we’ll present our prestigious YEP Awards!
