Former Teesdale School student Caitlyn Nicholson, 16, has been chosen from thousands to be a regional youth board representative for National Citizen Service (NCS).
4,000 teenagers from the North East, and 100,000 nationally, took part in the 2017 NCS programme, with just 13 exceptional graduates chosen to join the regional NCS youth board.
Caitlyn has already joined up with youth board colleagues from around the country at NCS Kickstart; a leadership training programme to equip members with skills for the year ahead, and hosted NCS Fresh at Durham University; an action-planning day for local youth boards.
Next, Caitlyn and the rest of the regional board will play a vital role in shaping the future of NCS and will contribute towards a hard-hitting social action project.
Applications for next summer’s NCS programme are now open. The four week NCS scheme sees year 11s enjoy a week of outdoor adventure; a great chance to meet new people and enjoy some fun and freedom after the stressful GCSE exam period.
They then spend a further week in a university-style environment developing life skills like confidence, leadership and communication to boost CVs or UCAS personal statements.
Putting their new skills into practice, participants are then challenged to deliver a community project in their local area and on completion, graduates of the scheme receive a certificate signed by the prime minister.
16 and 17 year olds are eligible to take part in NCS next summer. Government-backing means that places cost just £50, with bursaries of £10 available to those eligible for free school meals.
For Teesdale School students, departure dates include 6th July, 10th July, 16th July, 24th July, 30th July and 7th August. Places are already limited. To reserve a place, Year 11s or parents should visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk or call 0191 247 4020.