Name Inspire US programme
Provider The Talent Foundry
Summary Education charity funds trip to the US to teach students from four UK schools about democracy and provide experience in political campaigning
For young people facing social and economic barriers, opportunities to engage with politics are often limited. As a result, many may view politics as daunting, inaccessible, or even irrelevant to their lives. To address this, education experts say more initiatives are needed to inform students from disadvantaged backgrounds about political movements, elections, campaigns and policy issues. One programme aiming to do this is the Inspire US Programme, which teaches students about democracy and deepens their knowledge of American politics. Last November, it offered 17 school students the opportunity to be part of the US elections.
Organised by The Talent Foundry, the Inspire US programme challenges sixth form students from British state schools to design and launch their own social action campaigns, aimed at improving community cohesion in their local areas. The shortlisted teams were invited to present the impact of their campaigns to a panel of judges in London, with four teams – from Preston Manor Sixth Form, Lampton School and Oasis Academy in London, and Weatherhead High School, Liverpool – selected for a trip to Washington DC to take part in “Campaign College”.
The winning teams travelled to the United States, where they had the chance to network with experts and prominent speakers in American politics, campaign in election hotspots around Virginia and Pennsylvania, and learn skills they could apply back in the UK.
Students on the programme learned about how the US government works and went on a tour of the White House
Students were given a tour of the White House, learning about its history and the US government. They also visited a TV newsroom to understand what it takes for a political campaign to stand out in the media.
Throughout the trip, students were directly involved in the US election, canvassing for a Democratic Senate candidate and engaging with voters on the key issues that mattered most to them. The experience ended at a Kamala Harris rally in Philadelphia, where they joined 30,000 supporters to hear her final pitch to voters to be US President.
Not only did students gain a deeper understanding of American democracy, but they also saw how their actions could make a difference in political campaigns and help shape the future on both a local and global scale. The trip gave them the chance to recognise their potential, build their confidence, and overcome barriers preventing them from pursuing their ambitions.
Reflecting on the experience, Amy Leonard, founder and trustee of The Talent Foundry, said: “The students were curious and full of energy, becoming motivated to drive change and ensure their voices are heard.”
For year 13 student Keisha, the highlight was “canvassing, and understanding the information the public can know, in terms of who's voted, where they live and how to speak to them”.
The programme also sparked a deeper interest in politics for many of the participants. Some students were inspired to continue their social action campaigns, while others began to consider careers in politics (see below).
My View
Inspire US Participants
Manel, who plans to pursue a degree in international relations, said the experience allowed him “to see what real politics is like”. He added: “Inspire US has been more than just an experience – it's been a reminder that my background doesn't limit my dreams but rather gives them strength and purpose.”
Phoebe from Weatherhead High School in Merseyside was also inspired by the trip. “This has changed my idea about what I want out of life,” she said. “From being obsessed with being alone, I now understand the benefit of being surrounded by people with my beliefs and people who disagree with me. Now I have connections which can help me.”
