Projects for science, technology, engineering and mathematics

We supported a number of projects to address issues of student demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. These pilot projects have now come to an end, but the National HE STEM Programme is building on their work.

The term STEM, and in particular the 'science' element of it, covers a wide variety of disciplines. Our STEM pilot projects concentrated on chemistry, physics, engineering and maths.

These projects sought to raise demand by:

addressing the core issues identified by learners, educational providers, employers and regional bodies
rationalising a large number of separate initiatives and encouraging existing activities to join together.

To support HEFCE's strategic aim to widen participation in higher education (HE), all our STEM projects worked closely with Aimhigher. This is the main national means for widening participation in HE by raising the aspirations and developing the abilities of young people from under-represented groups.

STEM pilot projects

Following publication of the Government's Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014, we invited professional bodies to explore possibilities for profile-raising activities in STEM subjects that would encourage increased applications at degree level. Discussions with the professional bodies resulted in the projects listed below.

London Engineering Project
Stimulating Physics
Chemistry for our Future
moremathsgrads

Projects were required to show:

commitment to collaborative partnership with Aimhigher and other STEM-based projects
a clear demonstration of sector engagement
an evidence-based approach to interventions
consideration of regional differences
a clear framework for monitoring and evaluation
appropriate governance and risk management
evidence of long-term planning.

Page last updated 20 September 2012