West Midlands community groups have just a week left to take advantage of funding available to inspire young people from marginalised backgrounds.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is offering funding of up to £5,000 each for registered charities and non-profit companies, and £2,000 for unregistered community organisations to engage children in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities.

The Community Matters Fund, worth £250,000, aims to take learning beyond what is covered by the national curriculum with the aim of increasing engagement.

 

 

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Although schools are not eligible for the fund, parent teacher associations and organisations alike can apply on behalf of their schools.

Successful projects will need to align with at least one suggested theme, like bringing a new generation's attention to the wide-spanning career possibilities in STEM fields.

Other objectives include pioneering hands-on workshops and practical experiments to deepen confidence and expand already interested pupils' skill sets.

Another initiative could be to tackle unfamiliarity towards STEM subjects by granting resources like 3D printers or initiating after-school coding clubs.

It aims to expand the appeal of the subjects, which could potentially leading to profitable and fulfilling professions.

The project has distributed £10 million through its Community Matters Fund in regions like South West, Midlands and South Wales since it began in 2021.

Community engagement manager for National Grid Electricity Distribution, Ellie Patey, said: "Big challenges facing schools around resources, time allocation and funding have proven major barriers to engaging kids with this vital area of learning. National Grid is committed to widening the appeal of these exciting subjects which can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers.

"We’d particularly welcome West Midlands projects focussed on supporting young people from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds for whom STEM feels unfamiliar, out of reach or even intimidating."

She added: “Inspiring the STEM leaders of tomorrow not only supports National Grid’s wider objectives to deliver a clean, fair and affordable energy future, but also plays a part in meeting the anticipated 400,000 roles needed between now and 2050 to reach the UK’s net zero targets.

"Applications close on Wednesday 27 March.

"Grants for successful applicants will be distributed in April."