STEM Ambassadors

What are STEM Ambassadors?

The STEM Ambassadors Contract is designed to get volunteers from industry into schools to act as role models to persuade more young people to take up STEM subjects at school, college and university. By providing inspirational and talented Ambassadors, it is hoped that the next generation will feel inspired about going into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics based careers.

The STEM Ambassadors programme is free for companies to sign up to, and for schools to access. In addition, Ambassadors are provided with:

an induction session, where they will learn about types of activities they can get involved with and about working with schools
a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check
a full insurance package for all activities undertaken as Ambassadors, including public liability, professional indemnity and travel insurance.

Ambassadors are only asked to get involved with one activity per year - this could be as little as a careers talk, or all the way up to a yearlong project mentoring local school students on an engineering task. It’s entirely up to the Ambassador how much they get involved with.

What are the benefits?

Benefits to Teachers
providing STEM Ambassadors (a free resource of volunteers) who can inspire and educate young learners about STEM in many ways
providing links with local businesses who can lend support to schools in a number of ways
supporting STEM After School Clubs
access to skilled resources to support staff in the classroom
gaining extra support for extra-curricular clubs
providing a ‘real-life’ context to teaching
developing a varied teaching and learning style
networking with local companies and gaining further opportunities

Benefits to students

better motivation, more confidence and enthusiasm regarding STEM subjects
opportunities to improve key skills and increase understanding in STEM
a better understanding of the opportunities that a career in STEM can offer

Benefits to Ambassadors

gain a fresh perspective on day-to-day work when seen through the eyes of students
face a different challenge to that of everyday work
enjoy a sense of achievement after delivering an activity
help make a difference in the local community
challenge stereotypes young people have about STEM subjects and related careers
strengthen your own skills, including communication, planning and presentation skills

have lots of fun and enjoy the buzz and energy from the young people!

How does it work?

If you’d like to know more, get in touch with us! We have Ambassadors from a range of careers working for a range of different companies across Northumberland who are willing to be involved in a variety of activities. We can speak to you about what you are planning, and about how our Ambassadors can fit in with these activities.

If you’re interested in becoming a STEM Ambassador, please visit the STEMNET website to register. This only takes 5 minutes to do. Please remember to choose “Northumberland” as your preferred Administrator. Visit the website https://db.stemnet.org.uk/register.cfm

If you are from outside of Northumberland, but are still interested in the STEM Ambassadors scheme, please contact your local STEM Ambassadors Contract Holder. Their details can be found by visiting www.stemnet.org.uk/contact_us/local_contacts.cfm