The John Smith Centre held its annual reception in the Scottish Parliament’s Garden Lobby this week.
We were joined by MSPs, students, JSC alumni, and many, many others for an occasion which, every year, celebrates the achievements of the young people we work with.
This year, we were joined by Zoe Campbell and Sophie McAllister, who recently completed the John Smith Public Service Award, working in both Holyrood and Westminster over 2024-25.
Both spoke brilliantly about how the experience had given them the confidence and the belief to go on to take up a career in public service.
We were hosted for the evening by the new co-leader of the Scottish Green party Ross Greer MSP who, over the last ten years, has hosted several interns for the Centre. We remain hugely grateful to Ross, and many other politicians from all parties, for the support they have shown to the Centre over the last ten years. Without politicians stepping up to host interns and back young people, the Centre would not be able to function.
For us, it was a particular delight to welcome several of our alumni to the reception – and to hear how they have used their experiences with the JSC to go on to great things.
Over the next year, the Centre will be stepping up our work: running a new course for honours students on our pioneering UK Youth poll, rolling out a new schools programme in the west of Scotland, and hosting more big events that set the agenda.
The one purpose behind all of this is clear – it’s to open doors to young people from all backgrounds to get involved in politics and public life – and to help nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
To everyone who came, a huge thank you and we look forward to seeing you all next year.