North Hertfordshire College’s STEM learners were thrilled to take part in a Youth STEM Summit hosted by Stevenage Borough Council and supported by Mission 44. The event was part of the launch of the Pioneering Young STEM Futures programme, which aims to engage young people with the amazing STEM opportunities in Stevenage and included a visit from Mission 44’s founder, Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Students from the local area, including The Thomas Alleyne Academy and NHC’s own Science, Computing, and Healthcare learners, came together at the STEM Discovery Centre for the chance to meet with employers and discuss all things STEM. Employer mentors shared their top tips for starting a successful career in the sector and the skills they look for in job applicants, students participated in insightful conversations about the barriers preventing people from engaging with STEM, and ideas were shared about how a welcoming environment can be created. This was the perfect opportunity for open and honest discussions about STEM between the different groups to start the journey towards progress.
Together with young people and employers, Lewis participated in a round table discussion to hear first-hand from the students about the barriers impacting their progress in STEM careers and how Mission 44 can help to remove these barriers.
Patrycja, a Level 3 Applied Science student with North Hertfordshire College who attended the summit, told us: “There’s quite a lot going on in Stevenage, we just don’t always get presented with the opportunities to see them. It was really nice to see that Lewis has such a care for his community where he grew up, showing young people that science is actually worth investing in – that’s our future. It’s a chance for us to be heard.”
Following the roundtable discussions, the students also enjoyed at tour of Airbus’ facilities and the STEM Discovery Centre’s Mars Yard to visit the mars rover. These experiences have all helped inspire the learners to think about the many career possibilities available in STEM, particularly with the employers on their doorstep – especially after seeing how someone from the same background as themselves can thrive in a STEM career, like Lewis Hamilton has.
Shahzaib, one of the students who attended the event, commented: “Today I learnt that you could do apprenticeships and you can start straight after your GCSES, and you can do scholar programs. I think employers need to push that more, so younger students know about the different pathways to take into the working environment.”
Bukunmi, who works with Mission 44 as a Member of their Youth Advisory Board, commented: “I’m really excited to launch these new partnerships in Stevenage. It was great to see the determination to uplift young people at the Pioneering Young STEM Futures launch summit. We hope this work will empower more young people from underserved communities in Stevenage to pursue careers in STEM and motorsport.”
The summit formed part of the launch of Mission 44’s Pioneering Young STEM Futures programme, organised in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council, North Hertfordshire College, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and the University of Hertfordshire. The initiative aims to provide equal access to STEM careers in Stevenage from people from underserved communities.
Kit Davies, North Hertfordshire College’s Principal and CEO, said: “The College is delighted to be working in partnership with Mission 44 on a transformational learning project that will spark curiosity for STEM careers. Together, we’re bringing industry into the classroom through the use of innovative learning technology and providing opportunities for young people to experience the STEM opportunities on our doorstep.”
This is the start of an exciting journey for Stevenage STEM students. We look forward to the next stage in this initiative!
Mission 44 was founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton to build a fairer, more inclusive future in which every young person can thrive. Through grantmaking, research and advocacy, Mission 44 is focused on building a more inclusive education system, supporting progression into STEM careers and empowering young people to be changemakers.