Government-backed pilots for the scheme will provide around 10,000 places for 16 year old school-leavers, subject to the outcome of the cross-government spending review which concludes in October 2010.

The National Citizen Service will give young people the chance to learn new skills that will help them to make a positive contribution to their community. Activities are expected to include an outdoor challenge, structured tasks to develop personal skills whilst visiting and helping groups in the local neighbourhood and designing a social action project in consultation with local communities.

The experience will end with a graduation ceremony for those who successfully complete it. In the longer-term, graduates will be encouraged to take-up training sessions, reunion events and further community involvement, to build on the enthusiasm and relationships generated by NCS.

Interested organisations should email:
mailbox.nationalcitizenservice@education.gsi.gov.uk
to obtain a copy of the specification and an expression of interest form. The deadline for completed forms is 25 August.

Information events are running for potential bidders on Thursday 5th August in London, on Monday 9th August in Sheffield and on Wednesday 11th August in London.