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STEM mentors can develop new opportunities
The Express & Star STEM Challenge sees schools and businesses work together on projects, all with the aim of making a positive impact on the community around them. It is aimed at boosting student engagement. Showing them that what they learn in the classroom can be used in the world of work.
Earlier this year, executives from Petford Group, based in Dudley, worked with students to create a range of games for blind and partially sighted people. One hundred of those are now being used at the Beacon Centre for the Blind.
Petford Group has been taking part in the STEM Challenge for the last two years and has been successful each time, mentoring students at two different schools. Students also had a rare opportunity to step into a manufacturing environment, which they would not usually get a chance to do that while they are at school.
Kira Edwards, sales and business manager at Petford Group, said she felt inspired by the students she mentored. “It is a great experience and I would recommend anyone to get involved in it,” she said.
“At the beginning, you worry about how you are going to fit the mentoring into your already busy day. But seeing the students so committed and staying after school hours, even after their GCSEs studies, inspired us. We thought if they can do it, so can we.”
The brief required to design a product that has a positive impact on people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.
“We kept pushing the kids to take the challenge that one step further,” said Kira. To get an understanding of a struggle some face on a day to day basis, Petford Group mentors arranged to call local charities like Beacon Centre for the Blind and the mental health charity MIND. “At the charities, children heard about the struggles some people face every day,” Kira added.
It was also great to hear some feedback from the students themselves. One pupil who took part said: “I think it is amazing that people will be playing something that we designed. It is great to think we have made an impact. ” There is a possibility that their Connect 4 product could be put into production and go on the market.
Girls and woman are beginning to close the STEM gender gap thanks to inspiration from strong female role models. “At the second year’s registration stage we saw that 70% of applicants were female,” said Kira. “If more business got involved in events like the Express & Star STEM Challenge it would definitely change the industry and create more job opportunities for the next generation – it’s time for mentors to step up and help close the skill gap.”
For information on how to become a mentor get in touch with Darren Griffin, corporate manager at the Express & Star, on 01902 314439 or email darren.griffin@expressandstar.co.uk
