Why Every School Should Be Using STEM Ambassadors – and How You Can Too

With Volunteers' Week over for another year, it's a timely reminder of the invaluable contribution volunteers make to education—and an ideal opportunity to arrange for STEM Ambassadors to visit your school. 

There is no better way to raise students’ aspirations and deepen their understanding of rewarding, real-world STEM careers. Over 90% of teachers report that engaging with STEM Ambassadors improves students’ awareness and ambitions in STEM. It’s a powerful way to build your learners’ science capital and demonstrate the relevance of classroom learning.

First-hand impact: why I use STEM Ambassadors

I’ve personally used STEM Ambassadors in my teaching, and they’ve been exceptional. They were keen to support, took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for in the classroom, and tailored their sessions to make a real impact.

Here are just a few examples:

• A research scientist taught students about the role of smell in product development, exploring how fragrances are tested and refined for products such as washing powders.

• A team from a chemical waste disposal company helped students understand neutralisation reactions, directly linking chemistry content to safety and sustainability in industry.

• A pharmaceutical research scientist explained how drug targets are selected and how disease processes are modelled in the lab, giving students real insight into the complex challenges of medicine development.

These encounters were not only enriching but also directly linked to curriculum topics, showing students how what they learn in the classroom connects to dynamic and meaningful careers. While I work in a secondary school, it is just as important to invite STEM Ambassadors into primary schools. 

Inviting STEM Ambassadors into your school is a simple step with a lasting impact.

Pupils don’t just learn about STEM concepts—they also begin to explore the idea of career pathways. Many are surprised to discover that people often didn’t set out to do what they now do—a valuable lesson in the flexibility and diversity of STEM careers.

Why use STEM Ambassadors?

The STEM Ambassador programme, managed by STEM Learning UK, connects schools with enthusiastic, DBS-checked volunteers from across STEM sectors. Whether you’re in a city or a rural area, with more than 28,000 STEM Ambassadors available across the UK, there’s likely someone who can support you in person or online if needed.

Best of all? It’s free and incredibly easy to get started.

How to request a STEM Ambassador

1. Log in or register for a free account at the STEM Learning website:

1. Submit a request here: Request a STEM Ambassador

2. Provide details such as your students’ age range, subject focus (e.g. biology, physics, engineering), and preferred type of session—whether it’s a presentation, workshop, careers talk, or CPD for staff. You can also indicate flexible dates.

3. Wait for responses. Once your request is live, it’s visible to STEM Ambassadors nationwide.

4. Review and accept. Interested STEM Ambassadors will respond through the platform. You can view their profiles and select those who best suit your needs. Don’t forget to log back in to confirm your chosen STEM Ambassadors—this step is often missed!

5. Finalise. When your volunteers are confirmed, mark the request as complete.

Still unsure?

If you’d like further guidance, STEM Learning offers free online presentations to help educators make the most of the programme. These sessions are available throughout the year and are ideal for teaching staff, careers leads, and technicians. 

Volunteers' Week is a time to recognise the power of community and collaboration—and take action to connect students with the exciting world of STEM.

Inspire your learners. Enrich your curriculum. Book a STEM Ambassador today.

by Linda Crouch