An Introduction to STEM Ambassadors Friday 25 th October 2013

What is STEM, What is STEMNET? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEMNET is a Government-funded, UK-wide charity that promotes STEM awareness. STEMNET aims to ensure that more young people in the UK make a choice to enter science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related careers at all levels. STEMNET awards Ambassador contracts to organisations called the STEMNET Contract Holders. Organisations have been addressing the declining proportion of young people taking up science and technology subjects in the later stages of education for over 10 years.

Who are we? We are Global Science, and are the STEMNET contract holder covering the East of Scotland. We are responsible for managing the STEM Ambassador program for this area. The STEM Ambassador program is a UK volunteering scheme and has 31,000 volunteers across the UK. It is the largest & official volunteer program for Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths. The program is funded by UK government, through BIS (Business, Innovation & Skills- Vince Cables Dept) Despite public sector cuts, funding has continued for the program, and is guaranteed until 2015.

4 STEMPOINT Contract Holders in Scotland Global Science Science Connects HIE Stem Partnership Sensation Collectively known as “STEM Scotland

Global Science covers 9 Local Authorities in East of Scotland and have responsibility for:- 92 High Schools, and approximately 632 Primary & Independent Schools

To provide schools with access to vetted and trained “external” people who can assist teachers to promote STEM subjects in a stimulating and exciting way. To provide companies and Ambassadors with great opportunities to “make a difference” and support them in doing so To build on experience of existing projects and bring them together under a common framework in order to maximise the impact. The Ambassadors Program………. Started with 100 Ambassadors in There are now 932 registered Ambassadors within East of Scotland.- through individuals, companies/further education. There are 31,000 Ambassadors UK wide! The Aims of STEM Ambassadors

Who are STEM Ambassadors? We have a 50/50 split in our volunteer cohort of male and female. Our youngest Ambassador is 17, and oldest is 79

Who we work with…..

What is the commitment required as a STEM Ambassador? All STEM Ambassadors are required to take part in at least one activity a year and we’d be delighted if you decide you want to take part in more! A STEM Ambassador activity is any activity and/or school visit that is: Voluntary and free of charge to schools Aimed at individuals aged 3-18 years (including supporting teachers STEM CPD training) Linked to Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Maths in some way (including careers based activities) We will make you aware throughout the year of the latest requests, but you are under no obligation to take anything we suggest. You are free to do your own activities etc

STEM Ambassador activities can include…… Providing careers advice as part of e.g. a careers speed networking event Delivering a hands on activity with Primary or Secondary school students Being interviewed over Skype as part of a school lesson or taking part in a webinar Taking part in a teacher/Ambassador networking event at a school Supporting an on-going STEM Club activity at a local schoolSTEM Club E-mentoring a student as part of an established e-mentoring scheme Creating a sustained relationship with a local school Working with Science Learning Centres to support teacher CPD training Visiting your old school as a STEM Ambassador (if educated in UK only) Supporting STEMNET activities advertised through the UK-wide quarterly newsletter e.g. BBC Bang Goes the Theory roadshows, Big Bang Fair. You can also view the latest requests on STEMNetworkingrking

STEM Ambassadors – Hopes and Expectations Why did you decide to become a STEM Ambassador? It’s a new and exciting challenge It’s a chance for me to share my enthusiasm for my subject and inspire young people to have a more positive view of STEM and STEM careers It’s an opportunity for me to give something back to the community It’s an opportunity for me to develop my communication, planning and presentation skills. Potential for recognition as part of Continued Professional Development It sounds like fun! In the 2011 survey, STEM Ambassadors said volunteering in schools had: contributed to their personal and professional development (88%) improved their communication and presentation skills (63%) increased their understanding of young people’s capability and skills (65%) their employer benefits from a higher profile in the local community (82%)

Teachers – Hopes and Expectations Why do you think teachers want STEM Ambassadors to visit their school? Because STEM Ambassadors can: Act as a role model to students and potentially raise their aspirations Demonstrate how what students are learning in school can link to real life examples Provide an insight into the wide range of STEM careers available Provide teachers with contacts to assist them in making better links with industry Put teachers back in touch with the latest developments and activities in STEM subjects and careers Add excitement and interest to a curriculum subject STEM Ambassadors are a FREE OF CHARGE resource to schools!

Students – Hopes and Expectations What do you think students gain from having STEM Ambassadors visit their school? The chance to meet an adult (STEM) role model that is not their teacher or relative can: Give them an alternative view point on STEM and STEM careers Provide them with a chance to participate in something new and different to normal lessons Raise the aspirations of the students and challenge stereotypes Increase students’ understanding of how their learning in school links to examples in the real world Provide an insight into the wide range of STEM careers and opportunities available to them Enthuse them to consider a STEM career in the future

STEM Ambassadors Insurance covers… public liability (arranged through Trainsure- Value £5,000,000) employers’ liability £10,000,000 professional indemnity (arranged through Chubb Insurance Co, Value £1,000,000) personal accident and business travel (17 to 75 years of age) –(personal accident-Chubb Insurance, £25,000.) –(Business travel- Chubb Insurance, variable benefits)(STEM Ambassadors cars will not be covered by this insurance) BUT – none of this will apply if your STEMNET Contract Holder doesn’t know in advance when and where you are doing an activity This does not replace the responsibility for the organisers of an event to provide appropriate insurance to cover whatever activities taking place) More detailed information about the insurance can be found on the STEMNET website

If you are interested? If you are interested in becoming a STEM Ambassador, your first step is to register on line at (Please select East of Scotland as your region). We will receive an automatic notification through that you have registered, and our administrator will contact you with a range of inductions taking place When you come along for your induction, we will take you through the Disclosure process, provide you with an information pack & STEM Ambassador badge, and walk you through a presentation. Your Disclosure will be sent away to be processed, and should be approved within around 4-6 weeks.

Next Steps... If you have any questions or follow up please contact Global Science Frank McKeever Kevin McKeever Alyson Young Global Science:- Tel