Transcript Document

STEMNET Science & Engineering Ambassadors

Carol Harrison & Mike Leddra STEM Contract Managers for Durham & Tees Valley

The STEM Ambassador program

is a UK-wide network created to help industry connect our most inspiring scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technology experts with hundreds of thousands of young people across the UK.

Who can become a STEM Ambassador ?

• Anyone with skills and interest in STEM and related subjects • Anyone who is enthusiastic • Anyone who is a good role model

Why have a STEM Ambassadors programme?

• Fewer young people are choosing to study STEM subjects • Students can find it hard to engage in STEM lessons at school without a context for learning • UK PLC is facing a potential skills gap

59% of employers report they are having difficulty recruiting enough STEM-skilled individuals to meet their needs.

CBI education and skills survey 2012

In this kind of economy, countries who out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow.

President Obama

Why

become a

STEM Ambassador

?

• It’s a new and exciting challenge • It’s a chance to share your enthusiasm for your subject and to inspire the next generation of Scientists, Engineers, Technologists and Mathematics and others • It’s an opportunity to give something back to the community and develop links with local schools • Volunteering in schools will contribute to your personal and professional development

Does it work?

The National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) carries out long term, independent evaluation of STEMNET’s programmes, including the STEM Ambassadors Programme. After engaging with a STEM Ambassador… …pupils are 90% more likely to be interested in continuing to study STEM subjects …76% of pupils think that science is important for every day life; 78% for maths …more than 75% of teachers report that students have an increased awareness of STEM career and employment options …71% of teachers report their own understanding of STEM business and industry has increased

NFER Interim report, October 2013

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Any Questions?