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:

A more diverse and equitable curriculum which allows all to flourish.
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”.
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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

BY LAURA WATFORD • February 26, 2024

STEM programs in Haiti

By Ann Beatty • February 14, 2026

On 23rd January at the Cima Community School of Hope (ECEC), the first workshop was held with the first group of students as part of the STEM program. This activity marks a promising start to the program's implementation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is crucial for children because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age. It nurtures natural curiosity, helps children understand the modern world, and builds resilience through hands-on experimentation. Additionally, early STEM exposure prepares them for future academic and career success. A total of 20 students participated in this first session. The session focused on a general presentation of the importance of computer programming in today's world. The students were also introduced to the Scratch software interface, an educational tool well-suited for teaching children programming. This initial experience went smoothly and generated considerable interest and strong motivation among the students.

Make This Spring the Season You Secure Your Legacy

By Steve Sinnott • February 14, 2026

At the Steve Sinnott Foundation, we know that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people and causes you care about. That’s why we’re delighted to offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to write or update their will this Spring. Whether you’ve been meaning to get started for years, or you simply need to make a few updates, this is the perfect time to take that important step. Join Our Free Will Writing Webinar To help you get started, we’ve partnered with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy , who will be hosting a free webinar(s) covering everything you need to know about writing or updating your will. Staff & Volunteers 12pm, Thursday 5th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters 12pm, Tuesday 10th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration During the session, you’ll learn: Why it’s important to have an up-to-date will What to consider when writing or updating your will The different types of will-writing services available How Lasting Powers of Attorney work and why they matter How to claim your free will this Spring This webinar is designed to make what can feel like a complex process simple, clear and manageable. Why Having a Will Matters Having an up-to-date will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed and that may not reflect what you would have wanted. A will gives you peace of mind. It allows you to: Provide clarity and security for your family Appoint guardians for children if needed Make specific gifts to individuals or causes Ensure your estate is handled efficiently Updating your will is just as important as writing one. Life changes marriages, children, property purchases, or changes in circumstances can all affect your wishes. Claim Your Free Will This Spring As part of this initiative, eligible staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to claim a free will-writing service. Full details will be shared during the webinar, including how to access this benefit. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Writing or updating your will is one of the most responsible and caring decisions you can make for yourself and for those you care about. Register Now Spaces are available now, simply register using the link below: Staff & Volunteers - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration We hope you’ll join us on Thursday 5th March and take this positive step towards securing your future.

The Foundation supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

By Kaylem James • February 3, 2026

In my time as an assistant at The Steve Sinnott Foundation (SSF), one of my research tasks was looking into how the Foundation contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I really believe in the work of the Foundation and I have also been raising funds as I believe that every child must have the right to education. SSF is a UK-based educational charity focused on promoting quality education worldwide. It plays a supportive role in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: (Quality Education), but its work contributes to several others as well. Here's how the Foundation supports the SDGs: Goal 4 – Quality education (core focus) The Foundation's main mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It supports teachers and educational initiatives in developing countries. It runs programmes like: The Education for All Campaign – advocating for universal access to education. Teacher empowerment projects – providing training and resources to educators in under-resourced countries. Girls' education programmes – encouraging and supporting girls to stay in school and complete their education. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Through education, particularly health-related programmes, the Foundation contributes to raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of webinars to promote health and wellbeing and these can be found on YouTube. Goal 5 – Gender equality The Foundation promotes girls' education, directly addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing school. It advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in patriarchal or disadvantaged societies. Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth By improving access to education and vocational training, the Foundation helps create employment opportunities. Educated individuals have better chances of securing decent work. Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities It supports marginalised groups, including children in rural or conflict-affected areas, contributing to reducing global inequalities in education. Goal 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions Promotes education as a force for peace and conflict resolution. Supports democratic participation and awareness through educational programmes that foster community engagement. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals Collaborates with NGOs, unions, schools, and governments to deliver and advocate for education projects. Builds international partnerships to achieve the SDGs through education. Summary While The Steve Sinnott Foundation's primary focus is on Goal 4, it contributes to many of the SDGs by empowering communities through education, particularly: Gender equality (Goal 5), Health (Goal 3), Economic growth (Goal 8), Reducing inequality (Goal 10), Peace (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17). The Foundation’s programmes also contribute to the achievement of other SDGs through the power of the provision of education and life-long learning; 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 13. Climate Action. We believe that all of the 17 SDGs are only achievable by ensuring that all children, wherever they are born, deserve the human right of quality education. Over 250 million children are still out of school and the global out-of-school population has reduced by only 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. There is still much work to do in achieving equitable and quality Education for All.