However, career aspirations are not where we need
them to be. In fact, just 16% of 10- to 18-year-
olds aspire to a career in STEM*. From the science
programmes of the 1960s, the introduction of the
GCSE double science award at the end of the 80s and
the more recent increase in science in the current
curriculum, there have been continued atempts
to improve the way we teach science. Yet, science
still remains unapproachable and unappealing for
some. The point here is that just introducing more
science into the curriculum without thinking about
how or why it is being taught is not increasing the
likelihood of more people wanting to take it as
a degree or aspiring to it as a career.
Our charity, Science Creates Outreach, has a unique
approach. Nestled amongst world-changing science
and engineering companies at our Old Market
incubator is The Learning Lab — a dedicated space for
welcoming in the Bristol community and a hub for
STEM entrepreneurship education for young people.
Within the hear of working science laboratories,
surrounded by founders of groundbreaking starups,
we immerse young minds in the how and the why
of Deep Tech. School classes, community groups
and education networks can book tours of the
incubator, paricipate in hands-on workshops
in the lab and meet the people behind today’s
scientifc advancements. By providing real-world
experiences alongside pioneering entrepreneurs,
the charity instils a passion for problem-solving and
innovation. These interactions with a diverse range
of role models help to demystify scientifc careers,
making them more tangible and achievable for
aspiring young students.
It cannot be overlooked that the future of innovation
lies in embracing diverse perspectives. Right now,
the STEM workforce lacks representation across
dimensions like gender, ethnicity, age and socio-
economic background. Diverse perspectives have
been proven to yield more creative and efective
solutions to complex challenges, yet women make
up just 28% of the workforce in STEM and only
12% of this workforce are from ethnic minorities**.
Addressing these disparities is crucial if we are to
encourage a more inclusive and innovative scientifc
community. That’s why we target specifc schools,
work with community groups and encourage young
people from all backgrounds to pursue careers
in STEM felds, in order to build a workforce that
refects the diversity of our global society.
We’re fully commited. This is a long-term and
large-scale project, in which we want young people
to visit repeatedly to increase their awareness,
skills and connections with today’s scientists and
entrepreneurs. We are targeting all stages of the
15- to 20-year education and innovation lifecycle,
designing our programmes to make real impact in the
UK — in line with government objectives in STEM and
the economy.
By empowering the next generation with the
skills, knowledge and confdence to tackle global
challenges, the charity is unlocking a brighter
future for science innovation and the wellbeing of
our planet. The young minds inspired and educated
through this initiative will become the catalysts for
meaningful change in society. Not only will they
lead scientifc advancements in the future, but also
inspire adults to take greater actions to protect our
planet today. There’s a diference between liking
science and aspiring to be a scientifc founder, and
Science Creates Outreach aims to bridge that gap.
Soon we will not be holding their hands — our future
will be in their hands.
*Archer, L., DeWit, J., & Osborne, J. (2020). ASPIRES 2: Young people’s science and career
aspirations, age 10–19. UCL Institute of Education.
** UK Government All-Pary Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity & Inclusion in STEM. (2020).
Diversity and inclusion in STEM: A repor for UK Government.
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