The Impact of Targeted STEM Interventions 👩🚀

by Clare Hutchinson, Head of Skills & Partner Engagement at STEM Learning UK, summarising our new Targeted Interventions Report.

Since 2023, we have introduced STEM Ambassador projects that create targeted and long-lasting engagements for young people where there is most need, called Targeted Interventions. Whilst we believe that STEM interventions should be universal, there are some young people who face greater barriers to STEM careers than others. Each year we ensure that a proportion of our UK Research and Innovation funding is focused on supporting these groups.

So far across the UK, 41 innovative projects have been funded to engage and enthuse over 74,000 young people with the support of over 750 STEM Ambassadors.

Cultivating Positive STEM Attitudes

A key finding of the evaluation is the powerful effect that the right interventions can have on young people’s attitudes toward STEM. Students reported notable increases in their interest and engagement with STEM, particularly in areas such as the perceived importance of STEM (+16%) and interaction with STEM role models (+12%). These positive changes often lasted well beyond the intervention, demonstrating the lasting impact of meaningful STEM experiences.

One standout example is the Mother Nature Mobile Game initiative by BOM (Birmingham Open Media). The project engaged young girls in designing a mobile game centered around climate change, led by a Black female scientist. It not only sparked an interest in STEM but also empowered young women by showing them how STEM can solve real-world problems. The integration of sustainability into the game design made the subject matter relatable and engaging, showcasing how creative STEM projects can shape attitudes.

Empowering Future STEM Leaders

In addition to cultivating positive attitudes, these interventions also fostered confidence in students' ability to succeed in STEM subjects.

Students reported increased self-belief, particularly in areas like design and technology (+12%) and computing (+11%).

This is crucial for students who may not have considered STEM careers due to a lack of role models or confidence in their academic potential.

The TECgirls micro:bit Mentors Club exemplifies how mentorship and hands-on experiences can inspire this change. By working with STEM professionals, students not only developed technical skills but also strengthened their belief in their potential to pursue STEM careers. Such opportunities ensure that underrepresented young people see a future for themselves in STEM fields.

Example of the Impact on Secondary Students

Supporting Educators

The positive effects of these interventions also extended to educators. Teachers reported a rise in their confidence, especially in integrating research and innovation (+39%) and connecting students with employers (+38%). These gains enhanced their ability to deliver engaging STEM lessons and create long-term opportunities for students to engage with the broader STEM community.

The Creative Tuition STEM Clubs project, offering after-school STEM activities, highlighted how targeted interventions can reshape teaching practices. Educators involved in this initiative reported greater confidence in inspiring and engaging students, ensuring that the program’s benefits extended far beyond the intervention itself. STEM Learning supports educators in providing high-quality STEM experiences to help students develop crucial skills for the future.

The Role of STEM Ambassadors

A key factor in the success of these initiatives is the involvement of STEM Ambassadors who provide mentorship, real-world insights, skills development and career inspiration. In 2023/24, over 750 STEM Ambassadors dedicated an average of 23 hours each to these projects.

The impact on the Ambassadors was also significant, with 97% reporting a sense of personal achievement and 91% planning to volunteer again in the future.

The 'HeART-Plus Project' is a prime example of how STEM Ambassadors can make a difference. Using art-based workshops to teach heart science, the initiative emphasised community engagement and collaboration in STEM education, reinforcing the important role of STEM Ambassadors in broadening young people’s understanding of STEM.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

The findings from the report underscore the importance of relevant, engaging, and inclusive opportunities in increasing diversity and participation in STEM. These interventions, whether through game development, engineering projects, or creative workshops, inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for learning that can last a lifetime. By leveraging mentorship and real-world applications, we can help develop the next generation of STEM leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

At STEM Learning, we are committed to driving positive change and ensuring STEM education remains accessible and appealing to all students, regardless of background. By continuing to build on these successes, we can create a future where every young person has the opportunity to excel in STEM.

For more information, visit The Impact of Targeted Interventions