At the heart of our programmes, we aim to improve academic achievement,
build character and develop leadership and life skills.
Our Impact
We improve academic achievement
We address educational inequalities by building academic confidence and raising attainment in English and maths through weekly intensive tutoring.
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of our young leaders met or exceeded their progress targets in English and maths.
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said attending SYLA is helping them to make better progress at school
“SYLA has helped me improve my math grades greatly. Before SYLA, I was struggling with math, but now I’m top three in my year group”. – Young Leader
We build character
Our tailored leadership curriculum supports boys to increase confidence, self-regulate, build resilience,
and develop positive self-regard.
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of our young leaders said their confidence has increased.
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said they have learnt how to make better choices in difficult situations.
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said they have become a positive role model to their peers.
“SYLA has helped me balance my life, it showed me how to control my actions and listen to other people” – Young Leader
We develop leadership and life skills.
Our practical workshops led by business mentors, build employability skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
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of young leaders said their teamwork and collaboration skills have improved.
0%
said their public speaking abilities have improved.
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said they can now apply financial knowledge and skills in real-life scenarios.
“SYLA has helped me balance my life, it showed me how to control my actions and listen to other people” – Young Leader
Malachi – Young Leader
Malachi is in Year 6 and is currently on our Young Leaders Programme. He tells us about his time at SYLA and the changes that he has experienced within himself since joining.
“Since I joined SYLA in 2020, I have learnt how to be self-dependent and motivated. I have also learnt how to respect other people’s feelings and cultures.
Before I joined SYLA I struggled with my confidence. I found it difficult to talk to other people and didn’t have enough confidence to make friends. At school I would have to ask other people to ask if I could play with them. I didn’t have many friends and focused on myself, but it did impact me as I would watch people play from the bench.
My biggest achievement at SYLA is my improved mindset and confidence. I am now able to talk in public places and mingle with other people. What I enjoy most about SYLA is that there are lots of different people who I can play with. Not everyone is the same, everyone acts different, and it is fun.
SYLA has helped me to shape my current mindset by encouraging me to be the best and make my goals possible.”
Timothy – SYLA Alumnus
Timothy completed our Young Leaders Programme and Scholars Programmes. Timothy currently studies computer science at Queen Mary’s University of London.
“I still remember when my Mum asked my 9-year-old self if I want to go to SYLA. I was very sceptical, but who would have thought that it was one of the best decisions of my life so far. My 7 years with SYLA allowed me to develop many characteristics over the years but if I had to choose one it would be perseverance. SYLA made me realise that I can do anything I want if I just put my mind to it and discard all the negative stereotypes.
When I was in Year 6, SYLA and Springboard allowed me to attend a boarding school called Royal Alexandra and Albert school. The name already put me off. My thinking was why should a person like me go to a ROYAL boarding school? After some thought, I realised this was a chance that I cannot miss. My boarding school experience was like no other. Initially, I thought I would be the only black person on the campus. To my surprise I was wrong. It was a very diverse school which allowed me to settle in much more easily.
I am very grateful for my opportunity. Because of the support, I am planning to take computer science at university”.
Tobi – SYLA Alumnus and Mentor
Tobi completed our Young Leaders and Scholars Programmes. Tobi is now a student at Durham university and a mentor on our Young Ambassador Alumni Programme.
“SYLA has been a life changing, fun and inspiring experience for me. I came to SYLA with some behavioural issues that were getting in the way of what I wanted to achieve for myself. I have learned the importance and context of respect, both for myself and other people. I have also realised that people at SYLA are always thinking of what’s best for you even though you may not know it at the time.
When the opportunity of becoming a Mentor came, I couldn’t say no. I really wanted to do it. It felt right because I have personally received opportunities through SYLA, so I wanted to give back. It is beneficial to the current SYLA boys to have someone available who has already stepped in their shoes.
I also will learn a lot from this opportunity and be able to apply it elsewhere. I get to develop my planning skills and work on getting and giving positive feedback. I also get to acknowledge my own value and realise what I can bring to the table. I am still quite open minded about the career path I want to pursue, but I know that I want to focus on making a difference”.
Kemar – SYLA Alumnus and Mentor
Kemar completed our Young Leaders and Scholars Programmes. He was SYLA’s first ever intern in 2022 on our Young Ambassadors Alumni Programme. Kemar now plays for Brentford Football Club while studying for a Level 3 diploma in Sports. He also is also currently employed by SYLA as a part time Sports Leadership Mentor.
“My name is Kemar and I have been with SYLA for eight years. Through my ranks at SYLA, I have learnt a lot about myself and about life. Being part of such an amazing organisation has taught me how others can positively affect your life and how that can propel you to new levels and among big names.
One thing I’ve been brought up to believe is the importance of giving back. Without SYLA’s help I wouldn’t be in the great position I am in today – achieving things I never thought I would ten years ago. Therefore, I have chosen to come back to work for SYLA on their Internship Programme to give back the support that I received, and to share my knowledge with the current young leaders. I am happy to be part of the SYLA family and believe that we can all achieve great things with each other’s help”.