New fund to address barriers to opportunity for young people

Schools and charities will soon be able to apply to benefit from a new fund launched to help break down barriers that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.

Launched by the Jersey Community Foundation, the social mobility fund has an initial investment of £50,000, with a further £100,000 pledged for 2026 and 2027.

It is now open for applications, offering grants between £500 and £5,000 to schools and charitable bodies.

Funding will support projects that improve access to extracurricular education, cultural activities, and sports, as well as research into social mobility in Jersey.

Social mobility refers to a person’s ability to move up or down the social and economic ladder based on their skills, education, and opportunities.

When social mobility is high, people can improve their circumstances through talent and hard work rather than being limited by their background.

Sir Mark Boleat, who led the initiative to establish the fund, said: “Investing in social mobility is an investment in Jersey’s future.

Pictured: Sir Mark Boleat is a senior adviser to the Policy Centre Jersey.

“We need to harness the potential of all our young people, not just those fortunate enough to be born into wealthier families.

“By providing grants to organisations that break down barriers to opportunity, this fund aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, young people and adults in Jersey.”

The fund aims to address multiple barriers that prevent Jersey’s young people from reaching their full potential, including high housing costs, language barriers, the expense of higher education, limited access to extracurricular activities, and the island’s selective education system

Anna Terry, CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, said: “Talent and potential exist in every corner of our island, but unfortunately opportunity does not.

“The Social Mobility Fund is a small step towards helping people, regardless of their background, to access experiences and resources they need to succeed.”