Foundation Aims

The Blue Sky Foundation Programme was established in April 2006 to help engage young people in the political process in schools, colleges, universities and other community groups. We aim to provide opportunities for interested young people to develop their skills and network with one another to ensure that the leaders of the future are prepared for the challenges ahead.

Young people of all political persuasions and all aspirations are encouraged to work within the Foundation Programme as, after all, politics is about discussion and compromise between differing stances on the wide range of issues that affect our nation - and without vital debate, the best solutions to the most testing trials will remain undiscovered.

We are training young people through our key concept of learning through debate. There are a host of other organisations both in Britain and elsewhere in the world that can provide further training. Rather than simply duplicating existing services, we will be working with other organisations. Their core aim has been to train young activists to ensure that they are ready to lead the next generation of politicians - we can assist by ensuring that they have an articulate base on which to promote their beliefs.

For those seeking a career in politics or public relations, we run a 'remote research' scheme, allowing young people to work for MPs or Peers remotely, in their own time, whilst also allowing them the resources required at Westminster when required. Furthermore, we will provide support to those seeking careers outside politics, in industry and the professions - through our contact and supporter base.

Moreover, we aim for our journal to be a widely distributed publication in schools featuring topical articles, careers information and political opportunities. We hope that this will foster more 'Blue Sky' thinking. We will encourage articulate young people to contribute reasoned policy suggestions, the best of which will be published. Through our networks, these documents will read by MPs, Peers and other interested people and organisations.