Case Study: Urban Synergy
Awarded Organisation: Urban Synergy
Grant Programme: AI for All
Focus: Diversity in AI, Youth Empowerment & Career Pathways
Mentor: Sophie Robinson
Overview
Urban Synergy is an award-winning social mobility charity working to break cycles of disadvantage for young people aged 9–24. Founded in 2007, the organisation supports young people from underserved and low-income communities—particularly those at risk of exclusion — by helping them develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in education, employment, and life.
Through funding from The Different Foundation’s AI for All programme, Urban Synergy is delivering TechSpark — a full-day immersive experience designed to introduce young people from underrepresented backgrounds to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and real-world career pathways in tech.
The Challenge
Despite talent and ambition, young people from Black and Asian backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented in AI, technology, and STEM careers. Structural barriers—including limited access to role models, professional networks, and hands-on experience—continue to prevent many from progressing into higher-skilled and better-paid roles.
At Urban Synergy, these inequalities are seen first-hand. Of the young people they support, 74.6% are Black and 10% are Asian, many coming from schools in areas of high deprivation and facing intersecting challenges such as poverty, low confidence, and lack of opportunity.
The Approach
TechSpark is designed to be practical, inspiring, and confidence-building, giving participants real exposure to AI tools and tech careers in a supportive environment.
With support from the grant, Urban Synergy will deliver a full-day programme for 30 young people aged 16–24, structured around three core elements:
Foundations in AI and Emerging Technology
Participants are introduced to AI concepts in an accessible, jargon-free way. Workshops explore how AI is shaping industries such as finance, healthcare, sustainability, and the creative sector—using relatable examples like AI-supported CV writing, interview preparation, and productivity tools.
Business Challenge Sprint
Young people work in small teams to tackle real-world social or business challenges using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT. With guidance from industry mentors, teams move from problem definition to ideation, prototyping, and pitching—all within a single day.
Pitch & Career Pathways Showcase
Teams present their solutions to a panel of judges from leading corporate partners, receiving constructive feedback and insight into professional expectations. Alongside the pitches, participants rotate through career insight sessions focused on:
CVs and cover letters (including AI-assisted tailoring)
Mock interviews and confidence building
Networking skills and pathways into apprenticeships, internships, and graduate roles
Impact
TechSpark gives young people more than technical knowledge. Participants leave with:
First-hand experience using AI tools
Increased confidence and reduced imposter syndrome
Direct access to mentors and industry role models
Clear pathways into further training, mentoring, and employment opportunities
Crucially, the programme is not a one-off. Participants are invited into Urban Synergy’s longer-term pathways—including structured mentoring and Talent Accelerator placements—ensuring sustained support and progression.
Why It Matters
TechSpark demonstrates how inclusive, hands-on AI education can unlock opportunity for young people who are too often excluded from the digital economy. By combining funding with mentorship and real-world exposure, the AI for All programme is helping Urban Synergy not only widen access to AI careers—but reshape who gets to participate in building the future of technology.