Pretoria, South Africa – 03 March 2025 – Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the launch of the JLR Foundation, a pioneering charitable initiative designed to empower children and young people, catalyzing positive social and environmental change. With a firm commitment to driving equity and unlocking potential, the JLR Foundation reflects the luxury automotive manufacturer’s longstanding dedication to youth and education, and reinforces the broader objectives of its Reimagine strategy.
A Generous Commitment to Catalytic Change
At the heart of the Foundation’s mission lies JLR’s dedication to making a substantial, lasting impact on the lives of children and young people. Over the next year, the company has pledged up to £2.5 million in funding, which will grow as the Foundation expands. The goal is to provide grants to charitable organizations and NGOs that focus on initiatives aimed at developing young talent, bridging inequality gaps, and creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
The Foundation’s focus will be on enhancing the skills, knowledge, and abilities of youth, ensuring they have the right tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether through educational programs, skills workshops, or access to necessary resources, the JLR Foundation is determined to help young people reach their full potential, regardless of their background.
Guided by Experienced Leadership
The JLR Foundation will be officially launched later in 2025, initially in the UK, with plans for future global expansion. Under the leadership of newly appointed Director, Laura Brown—formerly CEO of PEAS, a charity dedicated to expanding educational access in Africa—the Foundation is set to make a significant and measurable difference. Laura’s leadership will be key in shaping the Foundation’s strategic direction, ensuring it delivers on its vision of equity and empowerment.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees includes a distinguished group of leaders from both JLR and beyond. Among them are Andrea Debbane, JLR’s Chief Sustainability Officer; Chris Thorp, JLR’s Chief of Staff; Phoebe Leet, Global HR Director at JLR; and François Dossa, Head of Sustainability for Latin America at TCS. Their combined expertise in sustainability, philanthropy, and social responsibility will be instrumental in the Foundation’s continued success and growth.
A Legacy of Commitment to Youth and Education
JLR’s involvement in community and youth development is far from new. The company has a longstanding tradition of investing in education and youth initiatives, with a particular focus on supporting young people in underserved regions.
One standout example is the JLR Dream Fund, an ambitious project launched in China in 2014 in partnership with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation. Over the past decade, JLR has invested nearly £12 million into the Dream Fund, which has positively impacted over 700,000 young people in some of China’s most disadvantaged areas. A key highlight of this initiative is the JLR Hope School, which was rebuilt following a devastating earthquake. Today, the Hope School continues to serve as a beacon of hope for local children, some of whom walk miles through mountainous terrain to reach it. The school not only provides essential education but has also fostered a vibrant community with over 70 graduates who have gone on to attend university.
JLR’s impact goes beyond infrastructure. In addition to rebuilding schools, the company has provided teacher resources, meals, and sleeping facilities, ensuring that the students’ educational journeys are supported in every way possible. This year, a new Hope School Library, designed by renowned architect Professor He Wei, will open its doors to the community.
Building a Global Network for STEM Education
JLR’s commitment to shaping the future doesn’t stop with school rebuilding efforts. The company is a staunch advocate of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and its STEM Ambassador Programme in the UK has reached over 100,000 students, with the support of hundreds of JLR employees. The programme’s mission is to ignite curiosity and inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields, particularly in the automotive industry. By the end of 2029, JLR aims to expand its ambassador base to 5,000, reaching 2,500 schools globally.
Further extending this focus on youth development, JLR is launching a socio-environmental educational programme in Brazil later this year. This initiative, aimed at rural communities near JLR’s Itatiaia plant, will immerse students aged 4 to 14 in science education, stimulating their interest in science and technology as potential career paths.
Creating Pathways for Future Careers
The JLR Foundation also seeks to create pathways for young people into JLR’s own workforce. Through initiatives like the Schools Partnerships Programme, JLR works directly with students to raise their aspirations and develop their future skills. This programme helps students envision careers in the automotive industry, opening their minds to the vast opportunities that exist. Every year, JLR reaches over 40,000 students in the UK and Ireland, with plans to scale the programme to reach 1 million students globally by the end of the decade.
A new global education programme launching in 2025 will build on this work, helping young people develop transferable skills that are essential for the future of work, preparing them for a world that is increasingly shaped by technology and sustainability.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
JLR is also keen to nurture its youngest colleagues. Through its Young Professionals Network, the company is creating a platform for the next generation of leaders to participate, collaborate, and innovate. By providing this network, JLR is ensuring that young professionals have the opportunity to develop their potential and contribute to the company’s evolution.
A Vision for a Better Future
The launch of the JLR Foundation marks a significant step in JLR’s mission to make a lasting, positive impact on society. With a focus on empowering young people, removing barriers to opportunity, and fostering an environment where talent can thrive, the Foundation will help drive equity and create a sustainable future for all.
As JLR continues to grow and innovate, the JLR Foundation will be there every step of the way, ensuring that the next generation has the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to become tomorrow’s leaders, designers, engineers, and changemakers.
