About us

Helping each other can make the world better

A registered charity in England & Wales, working so that displaced young people can carry on learning.

Who we are

Transforming potential into possibility

Bridging the Future is a registered charity in England & Wales (No. 1201227) working to support young refugees, asylum seekers, and forced migrants aged 16–21 in gaining access to education and opportunity. Our work focuses on addressing barriers to higher education through two core programmes: a free STEM-focused summer school held annually at University College London (from 2018), and an online mentoring scheme launched in 2021. Both programmes are fully volunteer-run and offered at no cost to students, including all travel, meals, and learning materials.

Since our founding, we have managed to raise over £40,000 in funding, allowing us to support over 105 summer school participants, facilitate more than 251 hours of mentoring, and work with students from over 20 countries. We remain committed to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where displaced young people can explore their potential, connect with inspiring mentors, and take practical steps toward their educational goals.

40,000£40,000+

Raised in funding

105105+

Summer school participants

251251+

Hours of mentoring

A Bridging the Future summer school session in progress at UCL

Summer school students with their certificates at University College London

Volunteers and students working together during a workshop

Our mission

Our goal is to widen access to education and opportunity for young people

UpSkill
To provide English and STEM training programmes for young people from refugee, forced migrant and asylum seeking backgrounds.
Inspire
To present new opportunities to the young people we work with and encourage them in their educational and career pursuits.
Social Mobility
Create personal growth opportunities through STEM education in the long term.

Education programmes

Our core programmes

Summer School

The summer school combines tailored English for Science classes in the mornings with practical, hands-on STEM sessions in the afternoons. Students explore topics in physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, and IT in a supportive environment, while building language skills and confidence. The programme also includes visits to university labs and science museums, providing a real sense of what STEM study and careers can look like.

English for Science classes
Hands-on STEM sessions
University College London

Since: 2018
Free: 100%

Online Mentoring

Our online mentoring programme pairs students with volunteer mentors — typically undergraduates, postgraduates, or professionals — who offer weekly support in English, STEM subjects, and university preparation. These one-to-one sessions are designed to be flexible and student-led, helping build skills, motivation, and educational direction over time.

One-on-one mentoring
Weekly support sessions
University preparation

Launched: 2021
Tailored: 1-to-1

Frequently asked questions

The questions we are asked most often about the summer school.

See all FAQs

When does the summer school happen?

First half of August every year.

Is the travel during the summer school covered?

Yes — all travel within TfL London Zones 1–6 is covered.

How many places are available during the summer school?

30 places.

What are the timings of the school?

10:00 am – 4:30 pm each day.

Working together

Our partners

A gift for education

Become a volunteer, or make a donation

Every organiser and mentor at Bridging the Future is a volunteer, and every place is free to the student. Both of those facts depend on people like you.

Donate now Become a volunteer