The Key to Find Your Spark is a new programme designed to help young people uncover what motivates them, explore their passions, and build the confidence, agency, and skills they need to shape their own futures. Through guided exploration and hands‑on project delivery, young people lead their own “passion projects” with support from trained KEY+ Facilitators. The programme creates space for self‑discovery while equipping participants with practical tools that build self-belief, fulfilment, and a sense of possibility.
Have a question about The Key to Find Your Spark? You're in the right place!
This FAQ page brings together the most common questions from young people, youth workers, facilitators, and partners. Here, you'll find clear answers on:
- How the programme works
- The role of KEY+ Facilitators
- The journey and activities involved
- Bursary opportunities and follow-on support
Whether you're looking for practical ideas or guidance on next steps, this guide will help you understand how The Key to Find Your Spark can support young people to explore their passions, build confidence and discover their purpose.
About the Project
What is The Key to Find Your Spark?
How is The Key to Find Your Spark different from the KEY+ Challenge?
KEY+ gives young people the chance to take on any projects they want, from a team building activity to a fund raising event. Find Your Spark is used to target specific passions as a tool to young people discover what brings them joy! E.g. exploring music, creative arts or sports to name just a few.
Can you do a Find Your Spark project if you've already done the 3 stages of KEY+?
No, this is for groups that have not completed the KEY+ Challenge. Groups will go through the same 5-step process, and the same skills and confidence as through KEY+. Groups can either do Find your Spark, or KEY+. However, after a stage one KEY+ challenge project, a groups could opt for their second and third stage to be a Find your Spark project.
If you do Stage One and Two as KEY+ can you do Find Your Spark for the third stage?
No, you can't do Find your Spark project after doing KEY+ as your stage one and two, only after stage one.
Do the group complete skills review before and after the project?
Yes, the skills reflection happens in the same way as a KEY+ project.
What kind of activities can the group do?
Can you use Find Your Spark to set up a business?
Yes, its about releasing your passion and innovation; enterprise can be part of that.
Can Find Your Spark projects be general like sport or does it have to be more specific?
Yes, the journey could start more general but the idea is that specific passions are identified and progressed towards. A group may take on a few sports at stage one, then pursue getting better at one specifc sport at stage 2.
What role do KEY+ Facilitators play in the journey?
As with any KEY+ project the Facilitators are trained youth practitioners who guide young people throughout the youth-led programme. They:
- Create safe, supportive spaces for exploration
- Help young people reflect on their interests, motivations, and strengths
- Guide them through the development and delivery of their passion projects
- Encourage independent decision‑making and problem solving
- Connect them with opportunities and resources like the bursary.
Facilitators do not lead the projects - young people do. Their role is to empower, not direct, ensuring each participant takes ownership of their own journey while finding their spark.
The Journey & Activities:
What kind of follow-on support will be available after their project?
After completing their first passion project, young people will have access to:
- A bursary scheme to help them continue pursuing their passion.
- Opportunity to apply for a bursary to take their passion further alongside 121 coaching support from The Key.
The intention is to ensure that the project is not a one‑off experience but a stepping stone to continued growth and exploration.
Bursary:
When can a young person apply to the bursary?
Once they have completed their first project they can apply for a bursary.
Who applies, the young person or supporting organisation?
Young person - The Key will advertise the bursary opportunity to all those who have taken part in a Find Your Spark project and make the online application form available to young people.
How much do young people get from the bursary and what can young people apply for?
The bursary offers up to £500 per young person to help them continue exploring and developing their passion beyond the initial project. This funding can be used for materials, training, experiences, equipment, or other resources that meaningfully support their progression.
Can the young person apply for the bursary more than once?
Yes, a young person can apply for the bursary more than once, but first time applicants are given priority when decisions are made.
Can each group member apply to a bursary to suppliment a project?
No, bursaries are unique to an individul and should be applied for after projects have been completed.
What sort of support do you get alongside the bursary?
If you're part of the bursary you will also have access to 121 coaching from The Key, to help you make the most of the opportunity and to support you in your future goals.
Does the young person need to complete Stage 1 before applying for the bursary?
Yes, the bursary is there for young person to help them continue exploring and developing their passion beyond the initial project.
About the author
The Key