Read the new YAC Impact Study Report
What difference does archaeology make to young people? Our latest YAC Impact Study shows just how powerful archaeology can be to young people. Our latest Impact Study report sets out the key success factors of YAC, including a welcoming and inclusive environment, hands-on learning opportunities, and topics that are relevant and important to young people.
The findings of the new Impact Study report highlight how taking part in the YAC improves wellbeing, builds confidence and self-esteem and provides a space where members can create supportive friendships and nurture their interests. YAC members are given the opportunity to try new things and feel proud of what they achieve alongside developing a long-term enjoyment, interest and even career aspirations in archaeology and heritage.
YAC clubs across the UK are helping young people feel happier, more connected, and more engaged with archaeology and heritage.
After a pilot in 2023/24, this was our second YAC Impact Study and was made possible thanks to funding from Historic England. Seven YAC groups from across England took part, including a mix of different branch types (CBA-managed, Affiliate and After-school) with varying age ranges and member and volunteer numbers.
We were also really lucky to be able to recruit Rebecca Jacobs, an arts and heritage consultant, to work with us for the second year running to develop the methodology for the study. Rebecca developed a series of surveys YAC members and their parents/carers, online focus groups and on-the-ground activities to be undertaken as part of YAC sessions that would help us explore particular experiences and impacts. Rebecca also conducted in-depth interviews with YAC leaders and members to create some fantastic case studies.
Thanks to funding from Historic England, a new YAC Impact Study for 2025/26 is already underway with seven different YAC branches from across England taking part. We look forward to exploring future findings and implementing recommendations from the report across the YAC network.
We are really pleased to be able to share the YAC Impact Study for 2024/25: