Who are STEMPOINT?
STEMPOINT is an educational charity trusted by schools and community organisations for more than 35 years.
Our aim is to inspire young people about Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) and encourage them to take up a career in STEM.
Why are we needed?
We believe that teachers are experts at teaching students the subjects they need to succeed in academic life and beyond. We provide insight and greater awareness of where those subjects could lead – by linking the world of work to the world of learning using the Gatsby Foundation as a framework.
STEM education is not just about studying the right subjects at school; it is about gaining the right mindset and skills for the workplace, both now and in the future. These skills are of vital importance for innovation and to support our economy, our country and our planet.
We broaden pupils’ horizons, showing the wide variety of jobs, careers and professions which are dependent on a solid grounding in STEM subjects at school. We aspire to helping to ensure sustainable economic prosperity by nurturing and strengthening our national capability in science, engineering and technology and contributing towards a better-informed society.
How do we achieve our aims?
We achieve our aims in a number of ways, but always with the young person and their future clearly in mind. During 2021/2022 our schemes, workshops and equipment loans enriched the learning experiences of around 45,000 pupils.
Each year we co-ordinate Nuffield Research Placements for year 12 students across Herts, Beds, Bucks, East Anglia & London, catalysing the careers of STEM professionals of the future. We seek to work with companies and organisations who can offer high-quality research placements.
We are the STEM Ambassador Partner for the East of England covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, helping to mobilize <3500 STEM Ambassadors to inspire local young people. STEM Ambassadors are professionals from local business, industry and research – who are available FREE OF CHARGE.
We are the Regional CREST Support Organisation for the British Science Association’s CREST (creativity in science & technology) awards, giving young people the chance to develop their skills in scientific enquiry and teamwork by rewarding students’ project work. At both primary and secondary levels.
The Go Construct K’Nex Challenge is annually delivered to more than 100 primary schools in Herts and Luton with over 5000 students taking part in this hugely popular design and build engineering challenge.
In Hertfordshire and Luton, we annually run over 250 hands on primary workshops covering all aspects of the KS1 and KS2 science, technology and maths curriculum and work with schools to provide work related learning days for students at secondary level.
We support British Science Week by providing an annual challenge for primary schools and lecture series for secondary schools, led by experienced scientists and engineers FREE of charge, thanks to sponsorship by local companies.
How do we operate?
Generous hosting from MBDA in Stevenage, a multinational engineering company, allows us to centralise and leverage the knowledge, skills and schemes of many volunteers, companies and charities all promoting greater engagement with STEM subjects and widening access to STEM higher education, apprenticeships and careers. We have an efficient office team and contract the services of experienced educational consultants and workshop leaders. Our Board of Trustees comprises of head teachers and leaders from academia and industry.
There are many opportunities to sponsor aspects or our work.
Please contact h.spencer@stempointeast.org.uk for an informal discussion about collaboration.