After-school STEMM club inspires career pathways

Inspire! have been encouraging a new generation of scientists, engineers, medics and more as part of Young Hackney’s Inspiring careers pathways programme.

Launched in the summer holidays, the Inspiring STEMM careers programme builds on our experience of delivering iDiscover, which brings Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine careers to life at local primary schools. Through a range of interactive activities, the new programme raises awareness of these rapidly developing industries outside of school hours, helping young Hackney residents to raise their aspirations and develop important skills.

During the summer holidays, we offered taster sessions for 7-13 year olds in conjunction with the African Community School in Stoke Newington. Following the success of this, we have run a STEMM after-school club for KS2 pupils at Inspire! and a KS3 programme at The City Academy.  Participants have been introduced to the skills needed for success in STEMM: problem solving, communication, logical thinking and creativity, and have put these into practice by taking on a range of challenges. This has included discovering the science behind music by creating their own instruments, investigating the bee population at the Dalston Curve Garden, and putting their engineering skills to the test by designing bridges, rafts and rockets.

Research has revealed the importance of challenging work-related stereotypes from a young age;  in line with our in-school primary programmes, the workshops aim to demonstrate that careers in these industries are available to everyone, regardless of gender or ethnic background. Young people responded enthusiastically to discovering STEMM away from the classroom, with 92% agreeing that anyone can do a job in STEMM. “I learnt that it doesn’t matter who you are, you can do anything” said one participant, and another changed their mind about career possibilities: “before I thought engineering was boring but it is not!”

Encouraged by this initial response, Inspire! are preparing to expand the programme, offering further after-school and holiday sessions. Young people will be given the chance to gain a CREST award, a nationally recognised accreditation scheme for STEMM subjects.

Keep an eye on our social media pages to find out about upcoming workshops, or get in touch with Sam at Samantha.dodd@inspire-ebp.org.uk for more information on the sessions.