Breaking Barriers in STEM Education

For several decades, it has been well documented that there is a lack of diversity within the STEM sector. This is an industry that is facing a huge skills gap, not only in the UK, but globally. The price of inequality is being felt in these industries but what are we all doing to address this?


One of the most impactful pieces of work that I have experienced in my career is the report “Not for People Like Me” by Professor Averil Macdonald which addressed diversity issues in Science, Technology, and Engineering (STEM). This report and linked resources inspired me deeply. Professor Macdonald’s insights on unconscious bias and strategies for equitable STEM education continue to guide and influence my work both in the classroom and through STEMunity (a community of young people, educators, and industry who believe the next generation of young people are the key to future prosperity).


The phrase “Not for people like me” encapsulates the inequality that is experienced by women and other underrepresented groups. No young person should feel this level of discrimination or social injustice.


So, here’s a few things that I believe contribute towards working for a more equitable education system for all:


Add to STEM Capital - we should all be building opportunities to enhance this!


Over the past 10 years, the ASPIRES group out of UCL have produced some brilliant work around the concept of STEM capital. This concept that we can build opportunities into our school curriculum offers, both in the curriculum and extra curricula, allows students to develop understanding, experience and relatability of STEM skills and opportunities. Those students with higher ‘STEM Capital’ are known to be more likely to pursue careers in STEM fields if that is their area of interest.


This could look like a high-quality school curriculum that links examples of context and real-life problem solving. The RAEng (The Royal Academy of Engineering) have some incredible resources to support this approach as a legacy from their CST programme. It could also include opportunities to visit innovative and inspiring workplaces, to participate in engaging extra curriculum activities and to interact with positive career linked role models.


Creating opportunities from the grass roots - This is our STEMunity


Inspired by these experiences, I co-founded STEMunity with my colleague Jorden Birch. STEMunity aims to inspire underrepresented young people to pursue STEM careers by offering context-based learning and interactions with role models, bridging the STEM capital gap. We designed a variety of opportunities, including the 5PARK box, our Online Escape Rooms, STEM Academy Video series and our Mixed Reality Experience.


Address digital poverty - I’m proud that my school lead on this, I realise that we are incredibly lucky to have this programme.


The challenge lies in creating an educational ecosystem that allows ALL young people to flourish and explore diverse opportunities. As an educator in an inner-city school, I’ve seen the challenges first-hand, the impact of increasing childhood poverty. One transformative programme I have been lucky to witness is the digital strategy at my school, where students are provided with one-to-one devices in efforts to address digital poverty. This extends beyond the classroom with opportunities for families to engage with the learning opportunities.


In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, rapid technological advancements outpace our education systems. We must adapt to prepare students for uncertain future careers. Innovation is key, as we navigate this ever-changing landscape, we must continue to innovate in education to empower our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.


When a more equitable society is achieved, I truly believe that the scientific and technological advancements will thrive, the areas that I believe must be addressed are:

  1. A more diverse and equitable curriculum which allows all to flourish.
  2. Industry and workplaces to truly reflect and act upon the mechanisms by which they can be more inclusive and diverse productive environments where no one would ever think the phrase “not for people like me”.
  3. Affordable and high-quality childcare for all to allow working parents to thrive.


Biography


Laura, an educator with 15 years of experience in Portsmouth. Alongside Jorden Birch, she co-founded the STEM education charity STEMunity, in August 2021. Through their education projects, STEMunity, has reached over 30,000 young people, striving to remove barriers in STEM education. Laura leads the STEM program at Portsmouth Academy and organizes community events. Her two young daughters, Millicent and Edith, inspire her dedication to positive change in education. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of education and its potential for the next generation.


This article first appeared in Engage 27.

BY LAURA WATFORD • February 26, 2024

UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

By Ann Beatty • September 25, 2026
A moment to be proud of and a reminder of why young people’s voices matter. Today, artwork created by students from UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, alongside artwork from young people in other countries. What an amazing opportunity for our students to have their creativity, ideas and hopes represented on an international stage. For me, this is what UNESCO ASPnet is about: creating opportunities for young people to connect across cultures, express themselves creatively, learn from one another and imagine a better future together. The power of young people’s creativity: their voices being part of an international conversation about education, peace, culture and our shared future. UNESCO’s programme for Pope Leo XIV’s visit specifically focused on education, artistic creation, AI, information integrity and peace. The work was part of a mural that brings together 80 original creations marking UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, produced as part of the "International Youth for Peace" competition organized by France TV and UNESCO.

Change Starts with a Will: Leave a Legacy That Helps Transform Education

September 7, 2026
Most of us want to leave the world a little better than we found it. Whether that's through the people we love, the values we pass on, or the causes we care about, we all hope our legacy will make a difference. One of the simplest ways to do that is by writing a will. This autumn, we are proud to be taking part in the Change Starts with a Will campaign, allowing our supporters to write or update their will free of charge through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy. Why writing a will matters Writing a will isn't just about deciding who inherits your possessions. It's about making sure your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for the people you care about. Having a will means you can: Protect the people you love. Make important decisions about your estate. Reduce uncertainty for your family. Leave a lasting gift to a cause that reflects your values. Many people put off writing a will, believing it's something to think about later in life. In reality, it's one of the most important documents you'll ever create. A legacy that supports education Steve Sinnott dedicated his life to championing education as a fundamental human right. His belief was simple but powerful: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and every teacher deserves the support they need to inspire future generations. Today, we continue that mission by working with partners across the world to improve access to quality education, strengthen teaching and support communities where education can change lives. When you choose to leave a gift in your will to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, you're helping ensure that this work can continue for years to come. After taking care of family and friends, even a small gift could help provide learning opportunities, strengthen education systems and create brighter futures for generations to come. A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime Legacy gifts play an important role in helping charities plan for the future. Your support could help us continue investing in sustainable education projects, supporting teachers and ensuring more children have access to the education they deserve. It's a powerful way to ensure your values live on long into the future. Write your will for free As part of our Autumn 2026 campaign, we're offering supporters the opportunity to write or update their will free of charge through Octopus Legacy. There is no obligation to leave a gift to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, but we hope you'll consider remembering us after you've taken care of those closest to you. Together, we can continue Steve Sinnott's vision of a world where education changes lives. Find out more If you've been thinking about writing your will, there's never been a better time. Our free will service is available until 31 October 2026 , making it easy to protect the people you love while considering the lasting impact your legacy could have on education worldwide.  https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?channel=partner Change starts with a will. And together, we can help create a future where education is accessible to everyone.

What happens when creativity, young people, education and community come together?

By Ann Beatty • August 25, 2026
Seeds of Hope are everywhere! “I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Stage at the Lake…” But it was special to meet all of the Calderdale team in person, who had brought this four-day event together so successfully. Sometimes an event stays with you long after the final performance has finished. My visit to Stage at the Lake at the beautiful Shibden Hall in Calderdale was one of those occasions. As UNESCO ASPnet UK Coordinator, I was delighted to be invited as a guest, but what I experienced was much more than simply attending an event. Here, in the grounds of a house steeped in history, the past, present and future seemed to meet. The English Chamber Orchestra filled the setting with music, Northern Ballet brought movement and storytelling to life, and throughout there was a wonderful sense of creativity, community and possibility. And then there were the parklets; a unique gardening festival at Shibden Park celebrating community, creativity and the power of nature to bring people together. At its heart was a specially commissioned trail of ten micro show gardens, designed and built by community groups from across Calderdale. It was wonderful to see spaces where ideas, conversations and creativity were flourishing and connecting through Seeds of Hope. I cannot wait to see them transported to their ‘forever homes’. Standing there, I found myself thinking about what we mean when we talk about education, culture and hope.