The Eko STEM Engagement Programme, led by EqualEngineers and STEMAZING, has made remarkable progress in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education across the Southwest of England and Scotland. Running from September 2023 to August 2024, the initiative aimed to inspire young people to explore STEM careers and dispel common misconceptions about these fields. In collaboration with local schools and STEM role models, the programme engaged over 6,700 students through interactive, hands-on workshops. Let’s explore the highlights of the programme and the key findings from this impactful project.
STEM Workshops and Role Models
A key feature of the Eko STEM Engagement Programme was the involvement of 59 women-in-STEM role models who served as ambassadors, delivering workshops and interactive sessions. Representation in STEM is crucial, and this programme embraced the idea that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” The role models came from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, or people with disabilities.
The programme’s workshops covered various exciting topics, including:
- STEM Superheroes: An assembly that connected STEM concepts to real-world applications, focusing on nuclear engineering and submarines.
- Exploring Energy: A workshop introducing students to energy transfer and renewable energy sources.
- Planet Protectors: An in-depth look at renewable energy and how nuclear power can help combat climate change.
- Wonderful Water: An exploration of water properties and their connection to climate change.
These activities were not only informative but also encouraged decision-making, risk assessment, and critical thinking. As a result, students were fully engaged in the learning process.
Impact on Diverse Demographics
The Eko programme successfully reached a wide range of communities, especially those historically underrepresented in STEM fields. In the Southwest, 55 schools participated, and students came from diverse backgrounds—25% were from ethnic minority groups, and 18% had Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In Scotland, 19% of students had Additional Support Needs (ASN), and 12% were from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The impact on girls was particularly notable. Nearly half of the students in the Southwest were girls, while in Scotland, they made up 51% of participants. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers is vital for addressing the gender gap in fields like engineering and computer science.
A Growing Interest in STEM
Did the programme make a difference? Absolutely.
Post-workshop surveys showed that:
- 96.2% of students enjoyed the workshops.
- 83.6% said they now understood how STEM impacts the world.
- 87.3% believed that anyone could pursue a STEM career.
- 46.6% expressed interest in a STEM job in the future.
While 46.6% might seem modest, it’s significant when compared to national averages, where only 20% of young people typically express interest in STEM careers. This programme more than doubled that figure, reflecting a meaningful shift in attitudes.
Teachers also reported increased confidence and greater awareness in their students. Pre- and post-workshop evaluations revealed a 20% rise in students’ interest in pursuing STEM subjects and careers. Additionally, 75% of students demonstrated a strong understanding of how STEM relates to the real world, compared to 50% before the workshops.
What Do Engineers Really Do?
One of the programme’s engaging activities, “What Does an Engineer Do?”, aimed to challenge students’ perceptions of engineering. Many students initially viewed engineering as a profession focused only on building or fixing things. By the end of the programme, however, their understanding had expanded. They saw engineering as innovative, creative, and crucial for solving global challenges like climate change.
This shift was echoed in focus groups, where students shared their enthusiasm for the hands-on activities. As one student from Scotland remarked, “I liked the wind turbine… seeing it actually making electricity!” This highlights the power of experiential learning.
Meeting SMART Objectives
From the start, the Eko programme set ambitious SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives. These aimed to increase students’ awareness of STEM careers and boost teachers’ confidence in discussing STEM topics in the classroom.
The results were impressive:
- 100% of students gained a better understanding of how STEM connects to real life.
- 100% of teachers reported feeling more confident answering STEM-related questions.
- 51% of students expressed an increased interest in STEM careers, a solid outcome when measured against national benchmarks.
Lessons Learned and Future Improvements
As with any large-scale initiative, the Eko programme offered valuable lessons. One area for improvement is refining the survey questions to better align with key performance indicators (KPIs). Additionally, recruiting more role models from industries directly related to the STEM topics being covered could increase the workshops’ relevance and impact.
There were also logistical challenges, such as ensuring that materials were available and functioning as planned. Addressing these issues in future versions of the programme will enhance its overall effectiveness.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for STEM Engagement
The Eko STEM Engagement Programme has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. By collaborating with schools, role models, and the broader community, the programme demonstrated that it’s possible to shift perceptions and ignite a passion for STEM—especially among underrepresented groups.
With over 6,700 students reached, hundreds of workshops delivered, and notable increases in STEM awareness and interest, the programme’s impact is undeniable. Looking ahead, the lessons learned from this initiative will guide even more effective strategies for engaging young people in the exciting world of STEM.
If you’re passionate about shaping the future of STEM and want to support or get involved in similar initiatives, now is the perfect time to act. Together, we can continue inspiring and equipping the next generation to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
