The UK Centre for Carnival Arts hosted a special event to celebrate 16 young people completing the latest round of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Get On Track programme.
It is an innovative programme where 16-25 year olds not in education, employment or training get mentored by world-class athletes.
The programme is organised by Luton Borough Council, in partnership with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
It aims to give young people the self-discipline, motivation and confidence to enhance their chances of employment.
Taylor Smith, a member of the programme, said: “Before I started the programme I didn’t know what I wanted to do.
“I had no job and wasn’t sure if I had what it takes to go on to further education.
“However, on our trip to Morgan Hunt one of the ‘dragons’ said that we can be anything we want to be in life, we just need to believe in ourselves and put the work in.
“That is when I decided I wanted to make something of myself so I am now back in education and looking at enrolling in university.”
During the six weeks they explored potential careers across a range of industries and were supported by international basketball player, Dru Spinks and Olympic sprint kayaker Hayleigh Mason.
They built relationships with others through a series of activities and developed skills through various projects.
Five of the young people have began college, three have gained employment and one has enrolled at university.