Catherine McKinnell, Member of Parliament for Newcastle North, is encouraging local youth organisation to bid for an exciting IT project to turn their youth club into an IT Youth Hub .

The programme, run by UK Youth in conjunction with Microsoft will equip 30 youth clubs across the country with new IT equipment, financial support and the expert guidance of a Microsoft IT mentor.

Catherine said “I would encourage any local youth organisation to get involved in this much welcomed  initiative. In the current economic climate and with most local youth clubs being run on very modest finances, this is a great opportunity.  Winning this programme would be a real asset to  youth organisations, with the winning young people being able to gain additional skills from their mentor and state of the art equipment”.

Charlotte Hill, UK Youth Chief Executive said “This programme is a fantastic and timely addition to our work.  We want to ensure that as many young people in our network are able to progress in the digital age, especially those who have limited access to IT.  No business is better placed to help us do this than Microsoft.”

Youth Clubs who wish to apply are encouraged to visit http://www.ukyouth.org/our-work-with-young-people/corporate-responsibility/ityouthhubs.html and download the application form