Development of a new digital resource to engage and inform young people and schoolteachers about the range of potential careers in rail. It also covers the sustainable benefits of rail travel.
Project number:
2024-SUS-001
Digital engagement pilot for schools outreach programme
' The programme really engaged the schoolchildren around sustainability issues, providing learning opportunities for 900 students and exploring the benefits of digital engagement.'
The challenge
The rail industry needs to better engage young people around key issues. These include career opportunities, sustainable travel choices, and rail safety. Traditional methods can be resource-heavy and limited to smaller groups.
To overcome these issues, the Social Sustainability Working Group asked to explore a pilot programme using a digital platform. This would engage a bigger audience.
What we did
Along with industry partners, we partnered with Everfi, a leading provider of digital resources for schools. We explored how a digital platform could be used to engage young people. We created new rail content for use in assemblies and classrooms and aligned with Everfi’s existing sustainable education platform.
Everfi engaged with local schools. Industry volunteers supported the delivery of the programme.
Benefits delivered
Nearly 900 students were engaged across 11 schools in London and Derby. Each took part in an interactive workshop to improve their understanding of sustainability and the railways.
In total, nearly 1,000 hours of learning were provided. There were also more than 42 hours of volunteer support.
According to the Rail Social Value Tool, the programme delivered an equivalent financial impact of £75,718.84.