The EY Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to giving young people a great start to their working lives. We have a bold ambition to enable all young people on Free School Meals to have an employment and earnings potential that is equitable to other young people in the UK. We achieve this through collaborations with employers and key partners, delivering accredited employability skills training and targeted programs.

In the UK, more than 1 in 5 young people are eligible for free school meals, and young people from low-income backgrounds are three times more likely to be unemployed by the age of 27. The EY Foundation exists to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for success. As an independent charity, we bring together young people and employers, offering high-quality employability skills training, paid work experience, and mentoring.

Our programs build aspiration, confidence, and a greater sense of purpose. Operating across the country, we ensure that young people from low-income backgrounds have access to the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in the workplace. By collaborating closely with employers, our professional approach benefits them by building a more diverse workforce and increasing staff engagement.

Additionally, our delivery-focused approach generates insights that influence the actions of business and government, helping to ensure the success of all young people from low-income backgrounds in the workplace. At the EY Foundation, we value a growth mindset, courage, empowerment, and collaboration. We are an independent registered charity, but we have a five-year funding agreement and Master Services Agreement with Ernst & Young Global Limited.

This support allows us to carry out our work and make a positive impact on young people and social entrepreneurs. Learn more about our programs and how to support or work with us on our website