Young Influencers Programme Finale: Pitch Day
The first edition of our flagship Young Influencers Programme for 16 to 18 year-olds in the UK concluded last week, with nine finalist teams, from our three partner schools and colleges, visiting our Canary Wharf office for the culmination of the programme – the Pitch Day.
SG volunteers guided the Young Influencers Programme student teams as they devised presentations to bring their ideas on tackling social issues to life through a pitch to a senior judging panel headed up by Demetrio Salorio, CEO, SG London Branch and Chief Country Officer, UK & Ireland. The topics they covered ranged from the climate crisis to racial and social inequality.
The team ‘No Newham Knives’ proved victorious in their bid to reduce knife crime in Newham. Made up of five female students from Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre, the team inspired the audience with their idea to bring reformed offenders and high-risk pupils together, stressing the scepticisms some pupils in London have in the police and emphasising their aim to bridge the visible gap. In doing so, they hoped to inspire change in young people and ultimately, reduce knife related crimes in Newham.
During the afternoon, pupils also took part in a speed networking session. Answering questions from the pupils, SG volunteers moved from group to group to share their expertise and help increase awareness of the finance sector.
Around 100 SG volunteers have participated in the workshops or the final Pitch Day this year. A special thanks goes out to them all for their time, energy and enthusiasm to support this important programme.
We now look forward to the launch of the 2022-23 programme in the autumn.