BYA is a London-based social enterprise that recognizes the achievements of black youth aged 8-25 through annual awards. Their mission is to create role models and break down barriers through acknowledgement and inspiration. They offer mentoring, programs, and outreach to support youth development. BYA has recognized over 700 youth, assisted 400 with careers guidance, and received several accolades for their work empowering black communities in the UK.

1. 2012 Media Pack
www.blackyouthachievements.org
“Join the movement. Create a revolution. There is a success story within everyone.”

2. BYA (Black Youth Achievements) are a About BYA
London based award winning social
enterprise who believe that “There is a The concept of BYA (Black Youth
success story within everyone” Achievements) began in February 2008
when the founder Kay Oldroyd felt
Vision: BYA’s vision is to see equality of compelled to challenge the negative
opportunities and positive representations of portrayal of young people of black African /
our young people. black Caribbean (including mixed) heritage
in the UK.
Mission: The mission of BYA is to be a
vehicle of change. Creating a platform of With a steady increase in the numbers of
youth leadership and role models who will young (predominantly male) people
break down social barriers and lead the way becoming victims of gang activity, knife and
for future generations to aspire, excel and gun crime, robbery, under achievement at
achieve personally, socially and school and more likely to be unemployed,
economically. the lack of positive visual role models and
success stories of black youth needed to be
Values: BYA are committed to the growth redressed and retold.
and development of young people based on
a foundation of: respect of self and others,
self- belief and determination, integrity and
legacy.

3. Registered as a community interest Categories
company in October 2008, BYA created and
hosted the UK’s first ever national awards  The Arts – Visual, Creative and
ceremony in November 2009 for the Performing
recognition of young black African / black  Business & Enterprise
Caribbean (including mixed) heritage  Choices – Making a positive change
individuals between the ages of 8 – 25 in a to lifestyle
range of categories.  Community
 Education
This ground-breaking event served as a  Sports
platform of acknowledgement, inspiration  Technology
and motivation not just for the nominees and  Mother of the Year (open to all ages)
recipients of awards, but to their peers and  Father of the Year (open to all ages)
wider groups.  Personal Development Organisation
of the Year
The BYA Awards are unique because of the
wide audience that it captures. They are Further categories will be introduced year by
open to those between the ages of 8 to 25 year as the organisation expands.
living throughout the UK (including Northern
Ireland) and encompass a variety of different
categories to be nominated in:-

4. BYA is now in its 4th year and to date has:- BYA Ambassadors
 helped over 700 people gain Current and previous award winners have
been invited to become BYA Ambassadors.
recognition for their hard work and
They will become a voice for young people
personal accomplishments through
in the UK, creating an awareness of the
the annual BYA Awards achievements of black youth (black African/
 assisted over 400 people with black Caribbean / including mixed heritage).
education and training advice &
guidance through their Big Lottery They will empower and encourage other
young people to explore and reach their own
funded Careers Day in July 2010
potential, creating positive role models that
 provided volunteering opportunities will be visual throughout communities,
for over 100 people at the various helping to counteract the destructive
BYA events from 2009 to present negative media stereotypes.
 created a leadership talent pool of
BYA Ambassadors will be the face of Black
36 inspiring individuals that future
Youth Achievements and represent the
generations will look to for
organisation at schools, functions and
inspiration events throughout the year, bridging the gap
 has received 7 accolades between young people, communities and
 reached an audience throughout the business. This is an exciting development
UK, Europe, Africa and U.S for BYA and supports their vision and
mission.

5. BYA Products & Services
 Annual BYA Awards – held in November during GEW (Global Entrepreneurship Week)
 Mentoring Services
 Personal Development Programmes
 School Outreach Programme
 Ambassador Programme – Launch May 2012
 Martial Arts School – Launch July 2012
 BYA’s “An audience with………..” – Launch August 2012
 Spelling Bee part of BYA’s initiative to raise Literacy standards – Launch September 2012

6. Sponsors & Supporters

7. Company Achievements
 GEW High Impact Award 2009
(www.gew.org.uk)
 GEW Outstanding Impact Award 2010
 Big Lottery Funding 2010
(www.biglotteryfund.org.uk)
 Winner of the ‘Volunteers Award’ at London Peace Week 2010
(www.dreamcentre.org.uk/images/PeaceBriefspreadnew.pdf)
 Director Kay Oldroyd named on Black Women in Europe’s inaugural ‘Powerlist’ 2010
(www.blog.blackwomenineurope.com/2010/12/03/a-list-of-our-own-the-most-powerful-black-women-in-europe/)
 Director Kay Oldroyd featured in the ‘Black 100+ Legacy Book’
 GEW High Impact Event 2011
 Featured in the BBC documentary ‘Up in Flames’ first aired Thursday December 15 th 2011 on BBC1
 Director Kay Oldroyd nominated as a Fellow of the RSA in 2012 (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures
and Commerce)

8. Contact information
Black Youth Achievements CIC @byacic Black Youth Achievements
Telephone:- 020 8677 8009
Mobile:- 07908 258 681
Email:- admin@blackyouthachievements.org
Website:- www.blackyouthachievements.org
“Join the movement. Create a revolution. There is a success story within everyone.”
BYA (Black Youth Achievements CIC) – a registered company in England & Wales 06717790. 135 Maple Road, London SE20 8LP