Over three thousand young people were given the opportunity to explore careers in STEM, thanks to an exciting interactive exhibition at the VERTU Motors Arena in Newcastle. 

STEMFest 2023 was created to inspire and connect primary and secondary school students from years 5-8, with careers in Space, Technology (Cyber Security), Environment and Energy, and Manufacturing. Ran by the North East STEM Hub and delivered by RTC North, the Festival was part-funded thanks to a generous £10,000 grant from The Platten Family Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. 

STEMFest welcomed students from 100 schools across the North East, with a focus on schools suffering from geographical isolation, with a high percentage of free school meals, from areas of deprivation and low pupil aspiration. These factors often limited engagement with STEM initiatives.

Young people were given the opportunity to meet with regional businesses and employers and be exposed to the real-life world of STEM. The festival showcased 56 businesses who could demonstrate potential career paths and opportunities to inspire and enthuse. 

Ross Wilson, Senior Philanthropy Advisor explained how the festival was important for creating opportunities: 

“Events such as STEMFest are a great way to introduce an array of opportunities in the STEM industry of which children and young people may not have previously been aware, or had the chance to consider as a potential future career. 

“RTC North has been able to use their position, knowledge, and experience to introduce high quality businesses to the pupils set to attend, to improve the chances of strong connections being made. 

Claire Willis, North East STEM Hub’s Team Leader and coordinator of STEMFest said: 

“I want to thank the Community Foundation for supporting STEMFest this year. Our event will hopefully make an impact on all the schoolchildren that experience it.  

 “STEMFest aims to support the next generation into STEM sectors and this event will work towards exhibitors and North East businesses recruiting their future workforce to support the region’s economy.  

“Without ongoing support from organisations including the Community Foundation events like this simply couldn’t take place.” 

3,000 young people learn about careers in STEM thanks to grant - Community Foundation