Tees is proud to announce that First Star Scholars UK has received a £5,000 grant from the Tees Better Future Fund to support young people in care across Cambridgeshire and help them progress into higher education, employment and training.
The funding will help First Star Scholars UK expand and sustain its long-term programme for children and young people in care aged 14 to 18. The evidence-based programme supports a cohort of 30 young people through monthly learning and mentoring sessions, a five-day summer residential at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, employability and life skills workshops, and ongoing pastoral and safeguarding support.
The programme takes a trauma-informed approach, pairing each young person with a university student mentor and tracking their progress over four years using validated wellbeing tools and individual development plans.
Many participants join the programme working below age-related expectations and go on to make significant academic and personal progress. The project is designed to tackle entrenched disadvantage, raise aspirations and reduce the risk of young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Janine Collier, Co-Head of ESG at Tees said:
“We are delighted to support First Star Scholars UK through the Better Future Fund. The programme is creating life-changing opportunities for young people who face significant barriers, helping them build confidence, develop skills and realise their potential. We are proud to support an initiative that is making such a meaningful and lasting difference.”
Ian Wyles, National Director at First Star Scholars UK, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Tees for this generous support. This funding will help us continue providing consistent, high-quality support to young people in care as they navigate education, employment and adulthood. Our scholars achieve remarkable progress when they are given the right opportunities and encouragement, and this grant will help ensure more young people can benefit from the programme.”
As part of the partnership, First Star Scholars UK has invited Tees employees to take part in volunteering opportunities, including a dedicated Corporate Volunteer Day during the 2026 summer residential at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge. Staff will also have opportunities to volunteer online as mentors or career speakers.
The Tees Better Future Fund supports charities and community organisations delivering projects that create positive change across the communities where Tees operates.
