Young Social Innovators (YSI) empowers youth through programs that cultivate social innovation, providing workshops and events for young people to identify social issues and develop creative solutions. Participants gain confidence, and educators appreciate the program's alignment with inclusive school values. YSI offers training, certification, and funding opportunities to enhance the impact and sustainability of youth-led projects, culminating in annual awards that recognize commitment to civic engagement and innovation.

1. Firing young people’s passion
to change the world for good

2. At Young Social Innovators we believe in the power of youth!
Through our programmes, events and workshops we help young
people unleash the innovator within and discover their potential
as powerful catalysts for change.

3. “Before TY I would have been fairly shy,
I wouldn’t have been one to put myself
out there and get involved. YSI has really
pushed me, I’m definitely more confident
within myself and have no problem
speaking to anyone about anything.
That’s been a huge benefit for me.
That’s something I’ll carry on for the
rest of my life.”
Claire Bradley,
Social Innovator

4. “YSI has given me some of the highlights
of my teaching career. I always say that
but it’s true. I have seen students blossom
and grow and develop and tackle issues and
really make a difference. There’s been good
times and bad times, but there’s always
learning and they love it. So I feel very
lucky to be part of it.”
Niamh Sheridan,
YSI Guide and Education Support Team Member

5. “YSI fits perfectly with the values of the school, which are about
being inclusive and everyone being treated equally and their
voice being heard.
“I would definitely encourage other principals and schools to
get involved. Particularly since most principals aren’t teaching
any more, YSI is a great forum for connecting with students.”
Des Cullen,
Principal

6. Young Social Innovators’
Programmes

7. Social Innovation Action Programme
Working in teams innovators are challenged to identify a
social issue and to come up with creative solutions.
They are led by a “YSI Guide” trained in using YSI’s social
innovation tools for learning.
Regional and all-Ireland events are part of this YSI experience.
YSI Teams can nominate their project for entry
into competitive awards.

8. Youth-led Social Innovation Action Project
Runs: September – May
Age group: 15-18 years
Suitable for: TY, 5th Years, LCA, LCVP, FETAC,
Youthreach and Youth Groups.
Events: Speak Outs (March), YSI Showcase (May)
Can be integrated into subject areas such as Home Economics,
Religion, English, Art, SPHE, Geography or as a stand-alone module.
Teacher, student and school certification available.
Digital platform for social innovators and extensive online
resources available.
See youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

9. COMMUNITIES of Social Innovators Programme
A Community of Social Innovators motivates, encourages and
celebrates youth led social innovation.
The programme is led by student members of the YSI Advocate Team
supported by ‘YSI Community Guides’. Social innovation is promoted
throughout the Community under a chosen “Innovate theme”.
Training and networking events for Advocate teams and junior social
innovation workshops are included as part of this YSI experience.

10. Youth-led Community-based Programme
Runs: September – May
Age: Varied - All 2nd
Level
Suitable for: Schools/Youthreach with prior experience of YSI Social Innovation
ACTION programme. Digital platform for
Community profiling, and online resources available.
Events: Community Networking events (January), YSI Showcase (May)
See youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

11. EXPLORE Social Innovation Programme
Highly interactive, fun and inspiring, these workshops are designed
to help young people recognise their creativity and their potential to
make a positive difference to the world we live in.
Delivered by YSI facilitators, young people learn about social
innovation and entrepreneurship and get a real understanding
that what they do makes a difference.
Participants are invited to follow up on each workshop by undertaking
a small social innovation action.

12. Half day Workshops
Runs: October - May (depending on capacity)
Age: Varied - All 2nd
Level
Suitable for: CSPE, SPHE, 5th years, Student Councils, RE groups
and youth groups (junior and senior).
Events: In-School Workshops
Themes include - Finding My Voice, I am a Social
Innovator and Social Innovation for Student Councils
(always up dating!).
See youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

13. Developing and Sustaining Social Innovation
Support, tailored training and funding are offered through the YSI Den
and made available to help some YSI teams to increase the impact
and sustainability of their social innovation.
Teams are invited to pitch for access to The Social Innovation Fund
to help develop or sustain an innovative idea, product or enterprise.
EM
POW
ERED

14. Developing and Sustaining Social Innovation
Open to applications from both ACTION projects and
COMMUNITIES of Social Innovators.
See www.youngsocialinnovators.org for more information

15. Continuing Professional Development, Training and Certification
YSI provides comprehensive training and support to YSI Guides,
i.e. educators who facilitate and support young people on their
YSI journey. It introduces to them YSI’s unique model for social
innovation practice and learning.
Skills: Facilitation of Youth Led Social Innovation | Creative Thinking
and Analysis | Leadership | Creative and Digital Communications |
Project Planning and Management | Social Innovation Learning

16. Continuing Professional Development, Training and Certification
Attendance at YSI training and YSI team facilitation gives eligibility for
certification as a YSI Guide.
Young Social Innovators’ 4 Cs of Social Innovation

17. Social Innovation Awards
All schools and youth organisations that take part in YSI’s Action and/or
Community programmes are eligible for annual certification while they
work towards flying their ‘We Innovate’ flag. A Community of Excellence
Award can also be achieved for widespread youth engagement.

18. Social Innovation Awards
Launched by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2014 and developed in
association with Young Social Innovators' public partners, the
Social Innovation Awards recognise schools and youth organisations
committed to engaging young people in civic and social innovation.

19. EM
POW
ERED

20. www.youngsocialinnovators.org