We believe in the power of the next generation

The Informed Collective Youth Programme is a free three-stage Sustainability Education Programme designed for 16–20-year-olds, proudly supported by the UK National Lottery Community Fund.

Delivered through the Informed Collective CIC, our aim is to make sustainability relevant to young people – giving them the knowledge and confidence to understand how their everyday choices connect to some of the biggest sustainability challenges facing humanity

We use fashion as the starting point – not because we teach textiles, but because it provides a powerful and culturally relevant gateway into understanding much wider topics including climate change, circular economy, responsible business, AI, innovation, global supply chains and future careers. Our programme aligns directly with the Gatsby Benchmarks

Through engaging, discussion-led, industry-informed learning, we help students build the knowledge and skills to understand the foundations of sustainability and how it connects to the world around them 

Participants can progress through a three-stage programme

BRONZE – UNDERSTANDING
Building the foundations. Delivered as a one-hour presentation, students explore sustainability through the lens of fashion, understand how topics like climate change, water, supply chains and responsible business practices intersect with the shoes and clothes we all wear.

SILVER – APPLICATION
Putting sustainability into practice. Through industry classroom-based case studies, students explore how sustainability is being tackled in the real world – understanding how businesses tackle major ESG topics and use tools like ai and innovation to help

GOLD – CREATING
Let’s get creative. Students respond to a live industry challenge set from real people inside the fashion industry, working collaboratively in a team to develop a solution and pitch it to industry professionals

How it works

Benefits for participants

  • Build sustainability knowledge and literacy

  • Discover future careers and real-world skills

  • Work on industry challenges

  • Build confidence and creativity

  • Obtain a Certificate of Achievement

Benefits for schools & colleges

  • Align to Gatsby Benchmarks

  • Support curriculum learning

  • Strengthen careers education

  • Develop transferable skills

  • Embed sustainability into learning

  • "It opened up my mind to the truths of fashion's impact on the environment. Cecily was very good at speaking and kept us engaged throughout."

    —Student, The Beaulieu Park School Sixth Form

  • "I thought it was really interesting and engaging, it was really detailed without it seeming ‘boring’"

    —Student, Fashion Retail Academy

  • "I don't really like sustainability class. I found them usually boring. But I really LOVED your presentation and your vibe ! The way you're presenting it and explaining it, help us to stay focus and to be willing to learn more."

    — Student, ESCP Business School