Since launching, Urban Synergy has reached more than 43,000 young people aged 9–24, enabling them to succeed in education and employment through access to relatable role models and personalised mentoring support.
”Our partnership with Just Eat is about changing the reality for young people who might never have imagined themselves or found it challenging to access STEM careers. By connecting them directly with professionals working in technology and digital industries, we are building confidence, expanding ambition, and creating tangible pathways into the workforce of tomorrow. Together, we are helping to ensure that the future of STEM reflects social mobility and taps into the talent and potential of the communities it serves.”
— Leila Thomas, Founder & CEO, Urban Synergy
Partnership highlights
- 60 Just Eat professionals are lending their time and industry expertise to a bespoke hybrid mentoring initiative.
- Mentoring sessions to help accelerate personal growth, confidence, and the essential soft skills required to excel in the workforce of tomorrow.
- Pairing students with real-world experts to shatter misconceptions and encourage students to research other career opportunities they may not have considered before.
"With AI rapidly evolving how we work, it's never been more important for all young people to have the opportunity to explore STEM careers. We're doubling down on our efforts to support the next generation and our partnership with Urban Synergy is part of this, connecting 60 members of our team with students across the UK. Through mentorship, we know we can make a difference; empowering young people to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow."
— Elizabeth Eastaugh, VP of Global Technology Platforms, Just Eat
Why mentorship in STEM is important
Mentorship is crucial in STEM, where students with guidance are far more likely to succeed and sustain a long-term interest in these fields. Without support, many disengage before entering higher education or the workforce.
Despite STEM’s vital role in the UK economy, representation remains a challenge. Women make up just 25% of the UK STEM workforce, with additional barriers faced by students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Urban Synergy and Just Eat are teaming up to change this. By connecting students with relatable role models in technology and delivery, the partnership aims to demystify STEM careers, inspire confidence, and empower young people to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.
About Urban Synergy
Founded in 2007, Urban Synergy is a youth empowerment & social mobility charity, dedicated to helping young people ages 9-24 succeed in education and work. Since its inception, the organisation has supported over 43,000 young people by connecting them with relatable role models, mentoring, and real work experience opportunities in professional organisations. With a goal to empower 50,000 young people by 2027, Urban Synergy is committed to turning barriers to bridges and creating a future where everyone has a chance to thrive.
About Just Eat
Just Eat is one of the UK’s leading online food delivery marketplaces, connecting millions of customers with a wide network of local restaurants and takeaway partners across the country. Through its website and mobile app, customers can browse menus, place orders, and arrange delivery or collection quickly and securely. The platform supports independent restaurants as well as national brands, helping businesses grow their reach while providing convenient dining options for consumers. Just Eat is part of a global food delivery group operating in multiple international markets and is committed to improving customer experience, partner success, and service reliability through ongoing technology and security investment.