New report reveals students’ positive impact on their communities
Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) has officially released the Out There Impact Report detailing the success of its award-winning student social action programme. The report highlights how their student "changemakers" dedicated thousands of hours giving back to their local communities.
Launched in April 2025 in response to student feedback, the ‘Out There’ initiative was created to showcase that young people are a powerful force for good. Students spent their summer holidays delivering a wide range of community projects, including revitalising green spaces, volunteering at food banks, and hosting intergenerational events in care homes. The newly published Impact Report confirms that the initiative has not only improved local neighbourhoods but has significantly enhanced student wellbeing, resilience, and leadership skills.
More than 100 community action projects were delivered in the programme's inaugural year, spanning six vital areas: Building Relationships, Sustainability Superstars, Boosting Community Wellbeing, Building an Inclusive Community, Making Your Community Safer, and Innovation. When asked why they chose to take part in the programme, more than 60% of students cited helping others as their primary motivation.
One team that took part said:
“We were motivated by the fact that most people see young people as being troublemakers, so we want to change people’s views on that.”
Another added:
“We wanted to do this project because we think that older people can sometimes feel lonely, and we wanted to help cheer them up and bring people of all ages together.”
After successfully delivering their projects, over 90% of teams reported that their community felt like a better place to live, more than half reported feeling more connected with other generations and groups in their community, and around 40% of students said that the programme meant they spent less time in front of a screen and more time outdoors.
The launch of the Impact Report follows an awards ceremony held at Headingley Stadium earlier this year, hosted by broadcaster Tanya Arnold and attended by leaders from the King’s Trust, West Yorkshire Police, and the Confederation of School Trusts. The programme was also validated with the Community Impact Award at the 2025 Connect Yorkshire Business Awards.
The report spotlights "Team Helping Hands" from Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield, who were crowned National Winners for their multifaceted work supporting the Wakefield Street Kitchen and improving local safety. They were awarded an overnight stay and day passes to Disneyland Paris!
Julie Slater, chief executive principal at OGAT, commented:
“This report highlights the incredible, firsthand impact our young people are making in their communities. By participating in ‘Out There’, they haven’t just built strong individual and team skills; they’ve also developed vital tools for their future careers. Just as importantly, it has gotten them away from their screens and out into the world, making a real difference in the lives of others. We started ‘Out There’ because our students told us they wanted to step up, give back, and be seen as a force for good. They have done exactly that, and I couldn't be prouder of everything they’ve achieved.”
Building on the momentum of the programme, YPO, one of the UK’s largest public sector buying organisations, has pledged its support for another year, this time stepping up as the headline sponsor. With YPO’s support, the Trust aims to engage 20,000 students and deliver more than 5,000 community projects this year.
The 2026 'Out There' programme is now officially open for registrations, inviting a new wave of students to prove that young people are a powerful force for good in society.
To read the full Out There Impact Report or get involved, visit our Out There webpage.
