ELEVATE was founded by Trevor Gomes in 2019. With the support of two colleagues Tom Culley & Radostina Simenova they designed and delivered ELEVATE to 15 young people at a local sixth form. When the pandemic hit, the team moved the programme online and saw the opportunity to grow the reach. They quickly went working with 15 students to over 3,000. Lockdown provided Trevor and the team with the opportunity to take the face-to-face programme online and grow the reach and increase the impact. ELEVATE is now has reach of 10,000 young people across the UK. Trevor leads the programme alongside working full time and studying his postgraduate studies. ELEVATE is supported by a range of public figures including Celina Sharma (Singer & Tik-Tok Influncer), Carina Lepore (BBC 2019 Apprentice Winner) and Jules Breach (BT Sport Presenter). ELEVATE has been achieved with zero funding. Programme content includes Growth Mindset & Resilience, Wellbeing, Networking Skills, Personal Branding, Building an Online Presence, Presentation Skills, Interview Skills & Careers.
The money raised will be used to invest in the programme in various ways. From guest speakers to funding workshops/events to bring young people together on a face 2 face programme. As well as supporting young people with awards for achievement to support with costs such as going to university.
Grace (18) said "ELEVATE has been such an amazing programme which has helped me build my confidence and gain the skills needed for the workplace. Through ELEVATE I was mentored by a former Juventus footballer and had a range of experiences such as visiting Wembley Stadium. I really enjoyed the workshop on personal branding which got me to really self-reflect and understand my skills and opportunities for development".