Grants for STEM engagement open for applications

The British Science Association (BSA) is reminding schools to apply for its Kick Start Grants, which help schools engage underrepresented students in science, as applications close on 6 November. The funding can help schools organise their own events or activities to promote STEM during British Science Week next year.

Last year, to celebrate British Science Week, Yew Tree Primary Community School used its Kick Start Grant to bring science to life for its students with an exciting programme of events. They funded a weeklong programme of engaging and fun activities to encourage its children discover a new passion for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  
 
With the Grant, the school was able to thoroughly immerse the pupils in STEM projects, ensuring all children, no matter the year group or specific learning needs, had the opportunity to participate and engage. These activities included daily science investigations where the pupils and teachers got hands-on with experiments as well as special science assemblies.  
 
2024 will mark the 30th anniversary of British Science Week, an annual ten-day celebration of all things STEM which this year will take place from 8th-17th March.  
 
The Kick Start Grant allows schools with children who are underrepresented in STEM subjects the chance to organise a programme of fun and engaging events and help the students discover the joy of science.  
 
The Grant, created by the BSA with support from UK Research and Innovation, intends to widen access and participation in STEM subjects by providing the opportunity for inspiration and engagement for children who may otherwise not have the opportunity to take part in science and break down barriers to participation for all in STEM. 
 
In previous years, other schools have used the grants to explore exciting STEM topics and activities such as, hosting local ‘Festival of Science’ events, arranging visits to the London Zoo and Natural History Museum, hosting sensory exploration activities for SEND pupils, and more. 
 
Applicant schools should be committed to breaking down misconceptions in STEM sectors and boosting confidence and enrichment for ethnic minority students or students from disadvantaged backgrounds and the BSA encourages applicants to reflect this in their proposed activities.  
 
Nasrin Ahmed, Science Lead at Yew Tree Community School in Birmingham, said: “With a population of students that may typically have been underrepresented with STEM industries, it’s incredibly important for us to help our students have every opportunity to explore and enjoy science, but also to understand that everyone can be a scientist no matter their background. 
 
“All we were able to accomplish and host successfully throughout the week was very much due to the fact we were able to secure the Kick Start Grant.” 
 
Susan Matambanadzo, Education Manager at the British Science Association said: “On the 30th anniversary of British Science Week, we are reminded of the great impacts the STEM sectors have on our society. From spaceships to solar energy to food science, it is important children of all backgrounds have the opportunity to engage with the world through science.   
 
“We are dedicated to ensuring all children, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or belong to ethnic minority communities, can engage in science learning through enriching projects and activities that help them discover their own love of STEM. Through Kick Start Grants, schools will receive the funding to help break down barriers to access a quality and inspiring science education.” 
 
Kick Start Grants range from £150 or £700 depending on the level of activity or event applying schools plan to host. Any state-funded, non-selective schools or colleges in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are invited to apply if they meet at least one of the following criteria: 
 
·       Over 30% of pupils eligible for pupil premium or equivalent.  
·       Over 30% of pupils who are from ethnic minority backgrounds.  
·       Small school based in a remote and rural location.  
 
Schools that apply for the grants will also be offered the opportunity to join the BSA’s newly launched Engage Teacher Network, a community of 1,500+ teachers who are committed to delivering science engagement activities for all students and who understand the barriers and potential solutions for schools in challenging circumstances.  The Engage community encourages all teachers to share ideas, access free resources and apply for grants to help bring science to life for all young people.  
 
To give schools a taste of the type of activities they could run during British Science Week, whether with the help of the Grant or not, the BSA has recently launched education taster packs for all age groups to help teachers start planning. With the full activity packs launching in January, these packs are free for all and include two sneak-peek activities and loads of useful information including how to get parents and other volunteers involved, where to source materials from and more! They can be downloaded here. 
 
Applications for Kick Start Grants close at 11.59pm, Monday 6th November 2023. For more information on Kick Start Grants, or to apply for a grant, please visit: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/