NESF secures funding to inspire STEM careers

A regional charity has received funding to enhance its efforts in inspiring young people and promoting STEM career opportunities.

The North East STEM Foundation (NESF) has been awarded £20,000 from the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland’s Community Accelerator Fund as it looks to connect more young people with STEM careers and local employers.

The grant will support NESF’s outreach programmes, including travel subsidies for schools attending its STEM events, ensuring accessibility for learners across the region.

NESF recently hosted a two-day Primary STEM Day in partnership with Yarm Preparatory School, engaging more than 500 pupils from ten Tees Valley schools with hands-on activities including welding and climate change challenges.

Tania Cooper, chair of the North East STEM Foundation, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation for this vital support, which will allow us to reach even more young people across our region to provide invaluable exposure to career paths that will shape our future economy.

“By connecting them directly with local employers and hands-on experiences, we're showing them real, accessible pathways to the high-quality jobs that will be the backbone of our future economy.”

The Community Foundation continues to be a longstanding supporter of grassroots initiatives, contributing more than £172 million to regional causes since its founding.

In 2023/2024 alone, it awarded 1253 grants totalling £8.4 million to 622 organisations.

Su Legg, senior philanthropy advisor at the Community Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to support the North East STEM Foundation in its mission to inspire and educate young people about the opportunities in STEM fields.

“By helping make these hands-on experiences accessible, we’re investing in the future of our region, fostering skills and curiosity that will drive innovation and economic growth for years to come.”

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