The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund is an important part of the Department for Transport outreach work, carried out under the Generation Aviation campaign – a joint project between HM Government and industry that aims to raise the profile of aviation careers and remove barriers to access, so the sector can build a workforce fit for the future.
Following a successful first year in 2023, the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund has returned for 2024. As with 2023, the funding competition will continue to be jointly administered by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The deadline for applications is Friday 27th September 2024.
Registered charities and registered companies in England can apply for a share of £750,000 to support outreach projects that will contribute to the Generation Aviation programme. The funder is looking for outstanding outreach projects that can meet the following three objectives:
1. Inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, championing the opportunities available in the sector. Activities should focus on developing interest and engagement with the opportunities available in aviation. This might also involve supporting someone to develop skills or experience that could be useful for a career in aviation but should not replace formal education i.e. delivery of statutory licences or educational qualifications.
2. Reach individuals who would not otherwise be aware of opportunities available within the aviation sector. Applicants are encouraged to consider how their project might benefit under-represented groups (i.e. women and girls, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, lower socio-economic backgrounds).
3. Have a broad impact by reaching and engaging multiple people. This might be achieved through some form of mass participation event, delivery through an education setting or youth group, or via virtual methods that can reach a mass audience.
Winners of the 2023 Competition were:
o Big Ideas Community Interest Group.
o Cambridge Science Centre.
o Flight Crowd.
o Education and Employers Taskforce.
o Harlow College.
o Leicester Education and Business Company.
o London City Airport.
o The Air League.
o TEC Women CIC, and the
o University of Leeds.
Further information about the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund 2024 is available on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Initiatives and Opportunities in Aviation website.
