The KEY+ Challenge

The KEY+ Challenge is our flagship youth‑led skills development programme, empowering young people to realise their potential, grow in confidence and lead their own projects. Built on more than 30 years of experience, it gives young people real responsibility, real decision‑making power and real opportunities to see their ideas come to life.

A short introduction to KEY+

We work collaboratively to ensure young people have access to the KEY+ Challenge. KEY+ gives young people the chance to explore what matters to them, shape their own ideas, and bring them to life. Through practical decision‑making, problem‑solving, and teamwork, young people experience real ownership - supported by adults who believe in their potential and guide without taking over.

Its scaffolded, three‑stage approach gives young people enough structure to build their confidence step by step, gradually taking on more responsibility as they grow in belief. It’s an empowering process that builds confidence through doing.

Watch this short view to learn more about KEY+.

About the KEY+ Challenge

KEY+ Challenge uses our proven five-step KEY+ model — Think, Plan, Pitch, Do and Review — to help young people turn ideas into action. Following these trusted steps, young people move through three progressively challenging stages.

Stage one - Kickstart skills: Young people get to grips with the programme, build early confidence and try out their first youth-led idea.
Stage two - Exceed expectations: They take on more ambitious projects, strengthening teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
Stage three - Youth impact: Young people lead enterprise or social action projects that make a positive difference in their school, organisation or community.
Plus, after completing the three stages, young people can continue their development through bespoke opportunities, volunteering or work experience.

Transitioning through the stages sees young people build their confidence, grow as individuals, and recognise the positive impact they can make in society.

This Structure doesn't just develop skills - it builds belief. Each stage is designed to meet the three conditions of self-determination: Autonomy (choosing the idea), Competence (building and applying skills), and Relatedness (working as a team and connecting with community).

The Five-Step KEY+ Model

At each stage, young people work through the same simple, empowering structure:

Think - Explore interests, issues and motivations.
Plan - Shape ideas into practical project plans, including budget and resources.
Pitch - Share their idea with a supportive panel of volunteers.
Do - Lead the delivery of their project from start to finish/
Review - Reflect on what they achieved and learned

Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the model meets young people’s psychological needs of:

Autonomy - making meaningful decisions
Competence - building and applying skills
Connection - working with others, including peers and community

This approach builds motivation, resilience and belief.

Skills young people develop

Whatever young people want to do in the future, strong essential skills can help them get there.

Through the KEY+ Challenge, young people have opportunities to practice, develop and reflect on these skills as they turn their own ideas into action.

Want to know more about Skills Builder and how it supports young people through their KEY+ journey? Watch the video below!

Introduction to Skills Builder at The Key