The Advanced Leaders Award for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
is open to all students aged between 17 and 19 years. Younger students attending colleges
may apply for either the advanced award or the secondary award.

This award should be seen as an outstanding opportunity for students to gather career information from a range of adults working in the field or fields they are hoping to pursue or are curious about. This is also a significant way of adding to application forms and personal CVs highlighting students motivation to meet and discover professionals in a variety of areas they are interested in. Students are not limited to one interview and should be encouraged to meet as many individuals to gather a wider understanding of different career opportunities, career paths and companies.

The award is in two parts - firstly students write a letter of application to become an Advanced Leader for STEM (the post is for one academic year and would require a new application the following year). In this letter students are applying for the 'post' of Ambassador for the college, university or club. There is guidance on what to include in the application letter in the downloads section of this website or click here.

Students then interview a person who works in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics. Help can be given to locate a suitable interviewee via the STEM Ambassadors programme managed by STEMNET. This is an organisation of professionals who have willingly given up their time to further the understanding of their profession with schools and educators. Students should research the person they are to interview and submit the final article and application to the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Students can submit a video interview or podcast however a written article must be submitted also to achieve the award. There are opportunities for the best andmost interesting articles to be published.

SPECIAL AWARDS: these are competitions within the Leaders Award where a range of organisations offer prizes and experiences for interviews conducted with a particular focus e.g. BLOODHOUND SSC is sponsoring a competition looking for interviews of inspirational people working in the field of STEM - not necessarily famous but have inspired them to be involved with STEM subjects.

BTEC Qualification: The Edexcel Level 1 and 2 BTEC Certificate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Leadership Skills can be used to accredit students work encouraging student to; plan and deliver projects and interact and research the types of leadership skills required to lead projects. For further information see the personal skills website hosted by Sheffield Hallam who designed the award. You can find the guidance notes in the downloads section of the website.

Colleges, teachers or students can register, the award is FREE, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.