Inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators requires more than classroom learning alone. It takes a connected network of opportunities that supports young people wherever they learn, live and spend their time.
Community-centred STEM engagement creates that network. By bringing together schools, libraries, youth centres and community organisations, we can make STEM learning more accessible, inclusive and relevant to young people from all backgrounds. This collaborative approach helps build confidence, develop vital skills and raise aspirations, creating stronger pathways into education, training and future careers.
Schools remain at the heart of STEM engagement. Last year, we worked with over 1,300 schools to provide invaluable opportunities for young people to explore engineering, technology and innovation. Through immersive workshops, engineering challenges, competitions and coding activities, students gain hands-on experience that complements the curriculum and demonstrates how STEM can help solve real-world challenges.
Yet not every young person can access these opportunities through school alone.
By extending STEM engagement into community settings we can reach young people who may otherwise miss out. Libraries, youth centres and local community organisations offer trusted, familiar environments where young people feel comfortable, supported and able to participate. These spaces play a vital role in reducing barriers to engagement and creating opportunities for sustained involvement in STEM.
The true strength of a community-centred approach lies in the connections between different settings. A young person might first discover an interest in engineering through a school workshop, deepen that interest during a holiday programme at a local youth centre, and continue exploring STEM through activities at their local library. With our Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, we help them set out an accessible and achievable pathway into STEM career. Each experience builds on the last, creating a joined-up journey with multiple routes into learning and progression.
Rather than relying on a single intervention, this approach creates sustained engagement over time and reinforces a powerful message: STEM is for everyone, regardless of background, age or prior experience.
As part of a wider STEM outreach ecosystem, The Smallpeice Trust works alongside schools, local organisations and community partners to create long-term impact. Together, we create learning pathways that meet young people where they are, both geographically and developmentally. By bringing high-quality STEM experiences directly into communities, we can help open doors that might otherwise remain closed, particularly for young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds who have historically had fewer opportunities to access enrichment activities and careers-related learning.
This work is becoming increasingly important. As Design and Technology provision continues to decline in many schools, opportunities for practical engineering experiences are becoming more limited. At the same time, employers across the UK continue to report significant shortages of engineering and technical skills, with 49% of businesses already reporting difficulties in recruiting because of this Additionally, the government recently announced plans to create 400,000 jobs in the energy sector by 2030. While this is a great opportunity for the sector, it risks potentially widening the skills gap even further. By creating multiple points of engagement through both school and community-based programmes, we can help young people develop technical, problem-solving and employability skills while building awareness of the wide range of opportunities available within STEM careers.
Community partnerships are central to this approach. They allow us to build meaningful relationships with young people over time, supporting them at different stages of their journey and helping them progress from initial curiosity to lasting aspiration.
The young people we work with consistently highlight the value of STEM opportunities being available within their local communities:
“There’s enough for younger children to get involved with, but also enough challenge for older students too.”
“After this experience, it’s been a good one. I’d probably look to go on something like this again.”
“I have travelled from London; it would be good to have something locally.”
Young people frequently tell us they want more opportunities to explore STEM closer to home, and that community-based activities make participation easier and more appealing. And feedback from our school-based programmes reinforces these themes:
“I enjoyed this event because it brought my creative side out; I would definitely do this event again.”
“I really enjoyed today as it helped me get outside my comfort zone and talk in front of everyone.”
These responses demonstrate that effective STEM engagement goes beyond technical knowledge. It helps young people develop creativity, communication, confidence and resilience, equipping them with skills that support future education, employment and life opportunities.
By connecting schools, community organisations and local partners, we can create a more inclusive STEM ecosystem high-need areas that supports young people throughout their development. Together, we can ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to discover their potential, develop their talents and see a future for themselves in STEM.
Why partnership matters
Community-centred STEM engagement succeeds when organisations work together. By investing in and supporting local delivery, funders and community partners can help create accessible, high-quality STEM opportunities that reach more young people, strengthen local communities and contribute to the future talent pipeline the UK needs.
If your organisation can help us reach more young people, we’d love to hear from you. Contact partnerships@smallpeicetrust.org.uk to explore how we can work together to inspire tomorrow’s STEM leaders.