>> Download the Summer Projects Information Booklet

Teach First is pleased to announce the launch of this year's Teach First Summer Projects (internships) scheme, which continues to grow in popularity with businesses, government bodies and non-profit organisations keen to access the talents of some of Britain's brightest and most motivated graduates for two or three weeks placements this August.

Due to the national expansion of the charity, we are looking to source over 220 two or three-week Summer Project opportunities in London, the Midlands and North West for participants to complete in August. This is a great way to get your organisation both involved with Teach First, as well as enabling your organisation to access the talents of our participants.

To find our more about the programme or submit a project, please review the information below.

Make your ideas a reality and help our schools at the same time!

Teach First Summer Projects provide organisations large and small with the opportunity to use some of Britain’s brightest and most motivated graduates to help research, develop and implement projects and work in your organisation. In doing so you will also help them to develop valuable transferable skills which will assist them to effect change in many of the UK’s most underprivileged secondary schools.

In the last five years, well over 650 Summer Projects have been made available to Teach First participants by businesses, educational establishments, non-profit organisations and Government departments involved in the scheme. All of the following have taken part and seen benefits in achieving project goals and graduate recruitment: Accenture, BBC; British Council; British Film Institute; Credit Suisse; DCSF; Deloitte; EMI; Freshfields; Google; HSBC; Roundhouse Theatre; Save the Children and The Science Museum.

What is a Summer Project?

Teach First participants are expected to complete a short piece of work of value to the participating organisation, working either individually or in teams. The project could involve a piece of analysis, research, ideas-generation or the planning of an event and should last up to three weeks during August. As an alternative, participants may shadow a suitable staff member for one week. Whilst the key concern is to ensure that participating organisations achieve their project goals, participants hope that doing a project will increase their familiarity with an organisation, its employees and the broader industry for the benefit of both their pupils and their own long-term careers inside or outside of education.

How does it work?

Numbers: The number of projects you submit and participants you take on is at your discretion. Participants may be placed individually or in teams.

Timing: Projects should last up to 2 to 3 weeks during August 2009 and work-shadowing opportunities for 1 week.

Location: Although most projects tend to be located in the regions where we place teachers (London, the Midlands and the North West), participants may be open to travelling further for a compelling project. However, this is not guaranteed.

Recruitment and selection: Recruitment and selection processes are at the discretion of the project provider, though we ask that all project providers agree to follow a set timeline for the interview and offer stages. Once a project has been submitted to Teach First, it is advertised to participants on the Teach First extranet, a secure internal website. Participants interested in the project will apply directly to you, after which they can be interviewed outside of teaching hours either in person or by telephone.

DEADLINE:

Please note: The deadline for submissions for the initial and main round of advertising the 2009 Summer Projects was Friday 8th May.

Projects submitted after Friday 8th May will not be advertised until the clearing round which starts on 15th June (late submissions may result in a poor response rate, since participants will be keen to apply for Summer Projects right away in May). Should you have any questions about this do not hesitate to email summerprojects@teachfirst.org.uk or phone 020 7517 2748.

Projects submitted by Friday 8th May will be advertised to participants from Tuesday 5th May (application process opens for participants) until Sunday 17th May. Our teachers will apply directly to you for the positions available until the main round closing deadline of midnight on Sunday 17th May.

To view the Summer Projects Timeline with all the key dates and actions please click here.

Sign up: To find out more and sign up click here, or contact Luci Parnell on 020 75172748 or summerprojects@teachfirst.org.uk

>> Submit your 2009 Teach First Summer Project

>> Download the Summer Projects Information Booklet

Employer Frequently Asked Questions

When can I interview Teach First participants?

Interviews can be arranged at your discretion. However, we do ask you to keep in mind that our graduates are full-time teachers with commitments to their schools. We would therefore be grateful if you would schedule interviews outside of school hours or during their half term (25th - 29th May). For international participants, telephone interviews are preferable.

How much support will the participant need?

Teach First participants have developed a reputation for their motivation, commitment and professionalism. However, if you are the manager responsible for the placement, we ask that you have a regular time slots (i.e. once a week for longer placements) available to discuss your expectations of their work, provide clear project guidelines, give them feedback and answer their questions. This will help ensure that all parties get the most value from the project.

Do I need to pay the participants?

We request that employers cover participants travel expenses. Additional pay for project work is at your discretion. Whilst Teach First does not set the expectation amongst participants that they will get paid, a number of project providers have made the decision to do this or to pay a small bonus on completion. At a minimum, we request that employers cover participants’ travel expenses.

What happens if the placement is not filled?

Each year, a small number of summer projects are not filled satisfactorily during the first round of applications. As a result, Teach First runs a clearing round giving you the opportunity to re-advertise your project to first year and second year participants (many of whom are about to leave their schools and are thinking about future careers) as well as Ambassadors (alumni) of the programme. Please be aware that even following the clearing round there is a possibility that your placement may not be filled.

Contact Us:

To find out more and sign up, email summerprojects@teachfirst.org.uk

Or to discuss any aspect of the Summer Projects call Luci Parnell on 0207 517 2748

>> Submit your 2009 Teach First Summer Project

>> Download the Summer Projects Information Booklet