We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Baker Hughes Foundation, to deliver twelve new STEM challenge days in schools and an immersive residential course.
This initiative offers hundreds of students across the UK the chance to tackle real-world engineering and sustainability challenges. They’ll benefit from insight from industry professionals and will gain the skills, confidence, and inspiration they need to imagine and pursue bright futures in STEM.
Empowering young minds where it matters most
The STEM Day challenge programme will reach up to 720 students aged 12–14, with a focus on areas close to Baker Hughes UK sites including Aberdeen, Montrose, Bristol, Liverpool, London and Newcastle upon Tyne. We’re placing particular emphasis on working with schools that serve communities underrepresented in STEM, such as those with higher-than-average free school meal eligibility and greater ethnic diversity.
Students will explore exciting practical projects like designing and building sustainable home systems, powered boats or wind turbines, aiming to build their awareness and passion for STEM’s real-world impact and relevance. These sessions are specifically designed to offer students insight into sustainability, energy and innovation in ways that are meaningful, exciting, and fun.
An immersive residential Engineering Experience
On top of our in-school workshops, the programme will also include a three-day residential engineering experience for fifty students. The rich and engaging itinerary will include a variety of hands-on engineering projects and masterclasses, as well as invaluable career talks delivered by industry professionals.
10 out of 50 places on the course will be free of charge, making sure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of opportunity.
Real people, real impact
One of the most powerful elements of this partnership is the involvement of Baker Hughes volunteers. Their stories, expertise and encouragement will bring STEM careers to life, helping students to see the real people behind the profession—and maybe even catch a glimpse of their future selves.
“This partnership is about more than just funding,” said Helen Cuthill, CEO of The Smallpeice Trust. “It’s about connecting young people from all backgrounds to STEM professionals and getting them excited about the future. We’re deeply grateful to Baker Hughes and the Baker Hughes Foundation for their support and shared commitment to building a more diverse and skilled future STEM workforce.”