City Year
Who we are
City Year is a dynamic charity that brings together a diverse range of young people for seven or eleven months of citizen service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. Our young people, known as corps members, give full-time citizen service to their communities whilst receiving support for a ‘Leadership after City Year’ plan involving direct contact with major private sector employers such as Barclays Capital, National Grid, Credit Suisse, TowerBrook, ARAMARK and Burberry.
Case Study 1
My name is Michael Harvey and I attended Cardiff University and studied Ancient and Medieval History. I always knew I wanted to study history and during university this passion intensified. After graduating I left university having no real idea of what I wanted to do, except that history was still very important to me, so anything involving history stood out. I flitted about for a year doing odd jobs, when I came to the realisation that teaching would suit me best as a career. However, I didn't feel that simply applying for a place to do graduate teacher training was enough. I had a love for history, but no real experience and a lack of confidence. Because of these setbacks volunteering seemed perfect because I could help out in areas with the most need whilst learning new skills to increase my confidence and employability.
Volunteering for City Year has given me an opportunity to spend an entire year supporting children and young people in London. I get the chance to tutor children at school, engage the wider public and stakeholders through public speaking and organising community volunteering days. The team I volunteer with is sponsored by Goldman Sachs and we’re primarily based at a school in Islington, London. There’s a fantastic team spirit and it’s great to volunteer alongside likeminded peers. We help one another as a team to make a difference in the community giving children inspiration and further drive to reach their potential. A whole year also demonstrates consistency and dedication, which the majority of these children need in their school lives.
Outside of the classroom City Year is equally impressive. Its dual goal of not only helping the children, but also helping me with my career pathway was also a big draw. All the volunteers receive training and support throughout the year from private sector sponsors..
Overall I am finding that volunteering is a fantastic opportunity, as it is exposing me to new experiences, opportunities and helping my path to a career I want to pursue. I am learning new skills and volunteering promises to help with my life after the year has finished. Furthermore I am working with a great team and helping young minds.
