Techniquest Glyndŵr

STEM Centre

STEM Ambassadors

Who are STEM Ambassadors?

Ambassadors are of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteering as a STEM Ambassador is your chance to promote your skills to young learners, actively encourage them to enjoy STEM subjects, and inform them about the unique career opportunities that are available to them. By volunteering as an Ambassador, you could be opening up life-changing opportunities for many young people in your area.

Anyone who has a desire to inspire children and young people in STEM subjects can become an Ambassador. The main qualities that all Ambassadors share are enthusiasm and commitment, along with a passion for what they do.

What do STEM Ambassadors do?

This is a flexible scheme that is able to respond to a wide variety of requests from schools. Examples include:

• Giving talks on a specific topic, or in relation to aspects of science enquiry and ‘How Science Works’
• Running a workshop activity
• Careers insight and case studies
• Helping to set up/run a STEM club, day or week
• Classroom assistant for a practical lesson or after-school project

In addition, some STEM Ambassadors have developed some specific talks and workshops

Why have STEM Ambassadors?

Through analysis of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths] research reports the following facts have been identified;

• The 16 – 18 year old population is in decline
• There is a decline in Maths and Science uptake at A level and HE
• The overall STEM position nationally is strong but this is NOT the case for Physical Sciences and Engineering
• Adult perceptions of STEM jobs are negative and key influencers are poorly informed
• Young people who do enter Engineering, have been influenced by a role model in the field
• The largest proportion of STEM opt-out is post GCSE
• STEM uptake is gender biased