Children in deprived areas of North Wales, the North West, and Oxfordshire will build satellites from cardboard and meet real space scientists as part of a new schools programme linking fundamental research to green careers. Many young people from low-income backgrounds lack role models in science and technology, and do not see these fields as relevant to their lives. A 2022 survey found that roughly 85% of graduates prioritise employers with sustainable practices, yet few students connect cutting-edge research with solving environmental problems. The programme, called Blue Sky to Green Earth, directly tackles this gap. The project will reach 300–400 pupils across ten primary schools, pairing them with 15–20 STFC-funded researchers. Each school receives two in-person workshops and one online session, plus a student-led project on research and sustainability. All activities are free. If successful, the programme could shift how young people from disadvantaged backgrounds view STEM careers—not as distant or exclusive, but as accessible routes to meaningful work that helps the planet. Classroom materials and online resources will be shared through partner networks, extending the impact beyond the initial schools.
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The future careers of today’s young people will require strong tech literacy and science capital to adapt to a rapidly evolving job market. To ensure social mobility, it is essential that young people from all backgrounds see STEM education and careers as accessible and relevant. However, many young people from socioeconomically deprived areas face barriers to STEM careers. They often lack role models or personal connections in these fields, leading to low awareness of viable career paths or their relevance to societal challenges. Young people are particularly motivated by careers that contribute to societal good, as highlighted by the 2022 Prospects Sustainability survey, which found that ~85% of graduates prioritise employers with sustainable practices. ‘Blue Sky to Green Earth’ (BS2GE) addresses this challenge by connecting learners with STFC-funded researchers and professionals. Through interactive workshops and events, students will learn how cutting-edge ‘Blue Skies’ research at STFC facilities contributes to solving real-world sustainability challenges on our ‘Green Earth.’ The project aims to inspire young people to see STEM careers as viable, understand the steps to achieve them, and recognise their societal impact. Key activities include: Engaging 300–400 pupils in ten primary schools in socioeconomically deprived areas of North Wales, the North West, and Oxfordshire, as identified by STFC’s Wonder Initiative. Partnering with 15–20 STFC-funded researchers and professionals to co-create engaging workshops. Delivering two in-person workshops and one online webinar per school, focusing on the lives and career paths of the volunteers, their research, their facilities, and opportunities in their sectors. Facilitating a student-led project exploring their interests in research and sustainability. Developing classroom materials and online resources to ensure ongoing impact, and promoting these through 4FC networks, partner organisations, and volunteers to ensure widespread access and long-term legacy. Conducting robust evaluation to measure the project’s impact on student attitudes, knowledge, and aspirations; gathering volunteer and teacher feedback; and identifying lessons for future public engagement initiatives. All activities will be free for participating schools.
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