STEM AMBASSADORS

Over 19,000 people have already registered as STEM Ambassadors. The Programme enables any professional with STEM skills to work with teachers and young people (5-19) in promoting a positive view of STEM, and in demonstrating how essential STEM is throughout every part of the world in which we work. The occupations of STEM Ambassadors are very wide ranging, including environmental scientists, chemists, civil engineers, marine biologists, medical physicists, pharmacists, apprentices and energy analysts to name but a few. Anyone who uses STEM in the world of work and who is willing and able to enthuse young people about STEM subjects, can be a STEM Ambassador.

The Programme is funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and is already supported by employers in every part of the UK who encourage their staff to become STEM Ambassadors as part of their outreach activities.

The STEM Ambassadors Programme is coordinated nationally by STEMNET and managed locally by a network of STEM Ambassadors contract holders (http://www.stemnet.org.uk/contact_us/local_contacts.cfm).

The STEM Ambassadors Programme aims to:

• Excite young people about STEM

• Give teachers a unique perspective on how the STEM curriculum can be demonstrated in the world of work

• Encourage young people to consider STEM careers and qualifications

• Contribute to improved academic achievement in STEM subjects

• Develop other employability skills like confidence, team-work, presentation and creativity

What types of activities can STEM Ambassadors do?

The Ambassadors are provided with opportunities which fit their own skills and availability and include a wide range of activities such as giving careers talks, helping with projects in after-school STEM clubs or challenge days and judging competitions
They also support and inspire teachers in the classroom and help them update their knowledge of contemporary science, technology and research processes. The variety of activities and the impact they have is huge.

Benefits of being a STEM Ambassador include:

• Enjoying a sense of achievement

• Gaining a fresh perspective on day-to-day work when seen through the eyes of students

• Helping to make a difference in the local community

• Developing new skills and confidence

Who can become a STEM Ambassador?

Anyone over the age of 17 with skills or interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics can register as a STEM Ambassador! The most important qualities in a STEM Ambassador is that they are enthusiastic and a positive role model for STEM subjects and associated careers.

How do I Become a STEM Ambassador?

The first step is to register online at www.stemnet.org.uk. You will then receive an email from your local STEM Ambassadors contract holder offering you a range of induction dates. All STEM Ambassadors are required to attend a 2-3 hour induction session to familiarise you with the Programme and provide tips about working effectively with young people. At your induction you also complete a Standard CRB Disclosure application (required for all STEM Ambassadors). Once the application is submitted, you will receive a Standard CRB Disclosure within 2-3 weeks.

All STEM Ambassadors must complete the above process before they can begin to volunteer in schools with STEMNET.

To find out more or to register as a STEM Ambassador, please visit the STEMNET website: www.stemnet.org.uk