The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET)
STEMNET works with an extensive range of partner organisations across government, industry, professional institutions and its UK network of local organisations to promote STEM.
STEMNET is a UK-wide organisation, whose purpose is to ensure that all young people, regardless of background, are encouraged to understand the excitement and importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in their lives, and the career opportunities to which STEM subjects can lead.
STEMNET helps schools and colleges, Business and Industry, and other partners to work together effectively to enhance and enrich students’ STEM learning. The organisation promotes STEM through its UK-wide network of local STEMPOINTs to fulfil a brokerage role to schools through STEMPOINT contracts which began in 2008 and will run until 2011.
The aim is to ensure that ALL schools and colleges across the UK have access to the information and support they need to offer their students access to appropriate STEM Enrichment and Enhancement (E & E) schemes and programmes which support the curriculum and increase the quality and quantity of students moving into further STEM education, training and employment.
STEMNET’s STEM Ambassadors programme has over 27,000 individuals from STEM companies or academia working as role models in schools across the UK. Well over 1,000,000 children have been reached by the scheme and there is an increasing focus on ensuring that STEM Ambassadors adequately represent their local community.
STEM Ambassadors are volunteers with an interest in Science, Engineering, Technology or Mathematics (STEM), who want to work with schools, teachers and pupils to stimulate and inspire their interest in these subjects. Volunteers are briefed and trained on working with schools and Criminal Records Bureau checked, so can offer valuable support in enhancing and enriching the curriculum by providing a link from the classroom to the world of work.
STEM Ambassadors come from all walks of life and all sectors of the community. They may be practicing as scientists, engineers or technologists in a company or individuals with a background and interest in those areas. Of the current STEM Ambassadors approximately 41% are women, 10% are from BME backgrounds and span a wide range of ages.
Typical activities in which Ambassadors can be involved include:
- Supporting school activities such as science and engineering clubs;
- Helping with school STEM competitions, events and awards;
- Assisting in extra-curricular STEM experiences;
- Offering mentoring, career guidance or role model examples; and
- Helping to provide work-based placements for teachers and students.
