Celebrating the impact of our STEM role models during Volunteers’ Week ??

• Over 350,000 volunteering hours in the last year.?
• STEM volunteers reach over 3m young people every year.?
• 48% of our Ambassadors are women, 54% are under 35 and 17% are from ethnic minorities.?
• More than 90% of teachers said engaging with STEM Ambassadors has improved their students' awareness and ambitions in STEM.
• Ambassadors broaden students’ horizons: 93% of teachers said engaging with Ambassadors has improved their student’s awareness that anybody could have a career in STEM, and 94% said it improved student’s career aspirations in STEM.
• Watch our film to see the impact our volunteers have on young people.

STEM Learning UK - the UK’s largest provider of education and careers support in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) – will be celebrating the impact of UKRI’s STEM volunteering programme - reaching over 15 million young people in the last five years – during Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June).

Delivered on behalf of UK Research and Innovation , the programme sees 28,000 passionate volunteers from 7,500 UK employers use their time, expertise and skills to host STEM activities in schools and community groups and inspire the next generation by delivering seminars, workshops, and STEM clubs.?

In the last five years, these remarkable role models have run over 170,000 of these activities, positively impacting over 15 million young people of all ages in schools and colleges UK wide.??

Ben Dunn , Head of Impact and Evidence at STEM Learning, said: “The amazing work that STEM Ambassadors do helps to generate social value and improve outcomes across the board, supporting the STEM sector in building the skills, knowledge, and expertise for the future."

Taking part in sustained STEM activities can transform a child’s attitude to STEM, resulting in a positive impact within both STEM and non-STEM careers, leading to a wage premium.?

"74% of STEM Ambassadors are in full-time employment, with a further 4% in part-time employment - meaning a phenomenal amount of in-kind support is provided by employers and organisations.”?

Séverine Trouillet FRSA , Chief Executive at STEM Learning said: “We're extremely proud that the flagship STEM Ambassadors programme, delivered on behalf of UKRI, has made such an incredible impact on young people."

"Our volunteers truly are role models in STEM, providing real-life context for students to learn from and clear evidence of the many benefits of a STEM career pathway too. Their diversity challenges stereotypes – 48% are female and 17% are from UK minority ethnic backgrounds. To mark the 40th anniversary of Volunteers Week we want to inspire anyone thinking of becoming a STEM Ambassador to do it!"

Tom S. , Head of Public Engagement at UKRI, said: “UKRI is proud to have supported the STEM Ambassadors programme and I would like to take this opportunity to thank every volunteer for their amazing dedication and enthusiasm.??

“The number of volunteer hours undertaken by STEM Ambassadors since it launched in 2002 has been incredible. They have provided a vital connection between employers and young people, which has been transformational in inspiring children from all backgrounds to explore STEM and consider the diverse range of careers in STEM, research, and innovation.”?

Darrell Njogu (MIET) , who’s an Aerospace Engineer and STEM Ambassador, said: “You might not get to see it, but as a STEM Ambassador you could change a child’s perspective. They could remember something you’ve said which could change everything. You have given them that nugget that leads to inspiration to continue. It ignites that flame.”?

Find out how schools and colleges can get involved in the programme here, and discover how to become a STEM Ambassador here.?