JDS Striving for Excellence
JDS Striving for Excellence is a youth-led organisation based in Barking and Dagenham which provides a platform for young people to come together to discuss issues, opportunities and provide support to those who need it.
Details about the Community Interest Company
JDS Striving for Excellence is a youth-led organisation based in Barking and Dagenham which provides a platform for young people to come together to discuss issues, opportunities and provide support to those who need it.
Details of the Project
We will be supporting an extremely worthwhile initiative JDS Business Shower Programme. With our funding, the founder is now able to repeat the success of her previous programmes and identify 15 to 20 girls that meet with the Trust’s criteria, to participate in her workshops which will run over a 6 week period in July and August 2025. The girls aged 12 and 18 will be supported in their education, career development and become part of a network to increase access to career professionals. They will receive paid work experience, gain employability skills, guidance on career and business plan creation and be part of an event at the end of the project to showcase their ventures. They will also continue to have access to a network of relatable business mentors beyond the end of the project. The outcomes of the project are to decrease the amount of reported anti-social behaviour and perceived loneliness and/or isolation within young girls.
Delivery of the Project
The Business Shower Programme commenced on Monday 21st July. The first session was attended by 10 girls, and registration remains open for the remainder of the programme which is taking place weekly over July and August. The programme will offer girls career development through work experience, skills workshops and mentoring. Over the six week period, participants will gain support in career development, build their network to increase and access career opportunities, gain inspirational business ideas, guidance and professional support.
Impact & Outcomes of the Project
We were delighted to receive such positive impact from the girls who participated in the project.
‘This project has given me a deeper understanding about starting my own business’
‘It has taught me that even if I think I have nothing, I do have something’
‘I understand that I need to set goals and make sure I achieve them’
‘I have learnt how to have faith and let nothing knock it down’
‘I now feel like I have the confidence to be a leader’
‘I felt so safe in these workshops and confident to share my true feelings’
Take a look at some of the videos taken throughout this amazing project…