Rank Aspire Programme
Empowering young people to develop leadership skills for social good.
The Rank Aspire Programme (RAP) is tailored to each young participant's needs and the ever-changing community landscape.
Through RAP, we invest in young people, aged 18 to 24, who may have fewer opportunities to prosper than their peers.
For 30 years Rank worked with community projects UK-wide to identify and invest in young people with potential. This resulted in
- Meaningful work and accredited learning opportunities for nearly 1,000 young community leaders
- A positive turning point for many individuals, and a chance to start a fulfilling career
- Developmental opportunities for community projects
RAP is the result of this extensive groundwork. Following external evaluation and invaluable feedback RAP represents an evolution in our efforts to contribute to a society where a young person’s potential is realised and reached.
- Aged 18 to 24, having left school and in transition to further education or employment
- Demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to social change
- Aspiring to develop skills, experience and accredited/ professional qualifications in the voluntary and charitable sector
- Coming from areas of social and economic disadvantage, disadvantaged backgrounds, or facing barriers to social mobility
The transitional years from 18 to 24 cover the period from the end of compulsory education to the start of a career. They are a critical phase for social mobility.
In this phase, young people facing disadvantage are less likely to make a successful transition to adulthood and work. They are also more likely to embark on vocational or work-based training.
RAP aims to provide those young people with high quality work-based training and experiences, so they can get into meaningful and lasting work.
It is a 12 month commitment by both the young leader and their organisation, running from September to September.
RAP is only open to Rank Network members - and only on invitation from one of Rank's staff team.
Network members will be alerted via RankNet if applications are opened to all members in the future.
Meet the RAP Leaders 2025-26
Community Sports Network
Aaron Boyd
Ulster GAA
Grace Swinburne
Kanzen for Life
Hannah Davidson
GK Experience
James McBride
Sunderland Community Action Group
Nathan McMurrough
Ykids
Ruby O’Neil
Capital Kids Cricket
Saif Khan
Tom Atkinson - St Michaels Youth Project
Tom Atkinson
Generation Rhondda
William Leach
Lindley Educational Trust
Yasmeen Zaman
