Motivez is Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Changemakers
In a world where access to opportunities can shape futures, Motivez stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young people from underserved communities. As recipients of Round 1 of the Make it Big grant (a collaboration with Pathway Fund), Motivez is proving that when opportunity meets ambition, the results are transformative. We spoke to the team at Motivez to understand their mission, their challenges, and how the funding from Do it Now Now (DiNN) is driving them towards greater impact.
The Mission: Building Tomorrow’s STEM Leaders
Motivez was born out of the recognition that many young people, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, are often excluded from pathways that lead to lucrative and impactful careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). With a clear mission to change this, Motivez empowers young individuals, aged 14 to 25, to access entry-level STEM jobs and become changemakers. Their broader vision is ambitious yet essential: to address the world’s most pressing challenges by nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders.
“We recognized how much young people lacked access to personal and professional development opportunities,” explains the team. To address this, they launched the Motivez app, which tailors recommendations for events that support young people's growth, both personally and professionally.
The Journey of Impact: Adedoyin’s Story
When asked to share a story that illustrates their impact, the Motivez team highlighted Adedoyin, a service user whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in a low-income, single-parent household, Adedoyin joined Motivez’s Application Season program, which offers coaching, and from there, her life took a remarkable turn.
By participating in Motivez’s CV and Cover Letter workshops, Adedoyin developed skills that secured her two prestigious scholarships and seven internship offers from companies including Bloomberg, Deutsche Bank, and Amazon. Her success didn’t stop there—Adedoyin became a Motivez Ambassador and was named one of the UK’s Top 150 Future Leaders in STEM. Her story demonstrates how Motivez’s programs don’t just open doors; they create lasting change.
“Her leadership and potential earned her recognition, and now she has a promising graduate position awaiting her in Technology, Data, and Innovation,” the team shares. This story encapsulates the resilience, opportunities, and incredible impact of Motivez.
The Impact of the Make it Big with Pathway Fund Round 1
Receiving a grant through the Make it Big programme has been a game changer for Motivez. “The funding has allowed us to bring on new hires that have increased our capacity in such an impactful way,” the team explains. These new hires have been crucial in executing programs and securing new partnerships, which is driving the organisation towards long-term sustainability.
For grassroots organisations like Motivez, consistent funding has always been a challenge. “In the past, we’ve had to constantly be on the proverbial hamster wheel, chasing funding,” they say. The stability that comes with the Make it Big grant has given them the space to step back from day-to-day program delivery and focus on building the organisation strategically. This has not only increased their internal capacity but has also opened the door for scaling their impact within the community.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Amplified Impact
When asked about the future, the Motivez team is clear—further investment could significantly amplify their work. They aspire to expand their operations, allowing them to support even more young people in accessing opportunities and building successful futures in STEM fields.
The Make it Big programme has also provided invaluable learning opportunities. “The Critical Friend conversations and consultations with partner organisations have taught us things we didn’t know before,” they say with gratitude. These experiences are reshaping the organisation, helping them refine their operations and set a course for sustainable growth.
Advice to Other Organisations
Motivez’s journey offers key insights for other small organisations seeking funding. “Take the time to truly understand what impact you want to make, and why,” they advise. Clarity in your mission and impact helps attract potential partners and funders who are aligned with your vision. Their story underscores the importance of building a clear, compelling narrative around your work to inspire others to support your cause.
A Grateful Partnership
As part of the Make it Big programme, Motivez is not only growing but also learning and evolving. “We’re so grateful to be on the Make it Big programme with Do it Now Now,” they say. The support has been transformative, allowing the organisation to move closer to its goal of empowering underserved young people to become the STEM leaders of tomorrow.
Motivez’s story is a testament to the power of grassroots organisations, strategic funding, and the endless potential of young people when they are given the right opportunities. With continued support, Motivez is poised to lead a new generation of changemakers who will shape the future of STEM—and the world.
Motivez is just one example of the incredible impact that Do it Now Now’s Make it Big programme is having on Black-led social enterprises. To receive more stories of impact and to learn how to support these initiatives, subscribe to our newsletter.
