Under this scheme, teenagers will be given the opportunity to join a summer programme that will aim to teach them skills, build their confidence and encourage them to become active members of their communities.

The programme will comprise two months of voluntary participation including a two-week residential programme where the young people will be involved in physical challenges. Integral to the programme is the development of projects by participants that will help their communities.

"National Citizen Service offers huge opportunities for organisations that want to help young people to get more engaged with their communities," said Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society. "We want to give every 16-year-old the chance to benefit from a seven to eight week programme of challenge and social action."

The first pilots of the programme are to be held this summer with 11,000 16-year-olds. The 2012 pilot scheme will offer 30,000 places, the results from which will inform decisions on the national roll out.

Organistions wishing to bid for the programme can find out more information from the Department for Education website.

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