Mission 44

Overview

Mission 44 is a UK-based charitable foundation founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One World Champion. The foundation is dedicated to creating a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world by addressing social injustices and providing opportunities in education and employment, particularly in STEM fields.

Purpose and Activities

Mission

The mission of Mission 44 is to empower young people to thrive in school and access great careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This is achieved by supporting innovators and system changers, building partnerships, and advocating for change through evidence-led initiatives. The foundation focuses on collective action to drive global change, emphasizing inclusivity and amplifying the voices of young people.

Strategic Priorities

1. Collective Power: Mission 44 believes that change on a global scale requires collective action. It supports innovators and system changers in education, employment, and empowerment. The foundation has established a network of partners in the UK and is expanding its reach to countries like the US and Brazil.

2. Champion Inclusion: With a diverse board, team, and Youth Advisory Board, Mission 44 champions inclusivity. It aims to drive radical and sustainable change by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds who share a breadth of thought.

Funding and Partnerships

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton pledged £20 million to support the foundation's activities. Mission 44 collaborates with organizations to narrow gaps in employment and education systems through partnerships, grant giving, and advocacy. This includes initiatives like the Ignite program, which aims to improve representation within the motorsport industry in partnership with Mercedes.

History

Mission 44 was launched in 2021 as a part of Lewis Hamilton's commitment to create real change for underrepresented groups. The foundation's name references Lewis Hamilton's racing car number and serves as a reminder that success is possible regardless of background.

Structure

Mission 44 operates with a team of employees and a board of trustees. It emphasizes transparency, trust, and continuous learning to grow its impact.

Notable Initiatives

Mission 44 draws on the findings of The Hamilton Commission, which identified societal reasons for the underrepresentation of Black people in the motorsport industry. This research provides a foundation for the organization's work in transforming industries for more inclusive futures.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5193984 [2] https://mission44.org [3] https://mission44.org/our-mission/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/mission44/ [5] https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24181/12365284/lewis-hamilton-launches-mission-44-charitable-foundation-with-personal-pledge-of-gbp20m