>> Download the Summer Projects Information Booklet
>> Submit your 2010 Teach First Summer Project

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 week placements this August.

Due to the national expansion of the charity, we are looking to source 275 Summer Project opportunities in London, the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West. 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 in effecting change in many of the UK’s most underprivileged secondary schools.

Since 2004, around 750 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/or 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 asked 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 for two weeks (sometimes three) during the August school holiday. 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 typically last for two weeks, but can be up to three depending on the nature of the project.

Location: Although most projects tend to be located in the regions where we place teachers (London, the Midlands, Yorkshire 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 ParticipantNet 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.

Ongoing Support: We offer ongoing support to both project providers as well as participants hoping to take part in Summer Projects. For Providers, we have a comprehensive information booklet which will guide you through the different stages of the scheme. We also make regular contact with you to check that you have enough support at each stage. This includes a call just before participants are due to start their projects, to ensure everything runs smoothly for all involved.

We have high expectations of all Teach First participants, and ensure they understand what will be required of them both in terms of their performance delivery, and professional conduct throughout the projects. We hold a training session for participants before they apply for a Summer Project, to ensure providers receive high quality applications, and that all participants understand the requirements and expectations.

DEADLINE:

Please note: The deadline for submissions for the initial and main round of advertising the 2010 Summer Projects is Friday 16th April.

Projects submitted after Friday 16th April will not be advertised until the clearing round which starts on 18th June (late submissions may result in a poor response rate, since participants will be keen to apply for Summer Projects right away). Should you have any questions about this do not hesitate to email summerprojects@teachfirst.org.uk or phone 020 7517 4822.

Projects submitted by Friday 16th April will go live for participants to view only during w/c 26th April. The application process for participants will then commence from Tuesday 4th May until Friday 14th May. Our teachers will apply directly to you for the positions available until the main round closing deadline of 5pm on Friday 14th May.

Sign up: To find out more or to submit your project, please see the links below.

>> Submit your 2010 Teach First Summer Project
>> Download the Summer Projects Information Booklet
>> Download the Summer Projects Timeline

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 (31st May-4th June).

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 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 an extension round giving you the opportunity to re-advertise your project to first 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 and participants of International sister programmes. Please be aware that even following the extension round there is a possibility that your placement may not be filled.

Contact Us:

To find out more email summerprojects@teachfirst.org.uk