At the Youth STEMM Award, we take the security of our participants’ accounts seriously. To help keep everyone’s information safe, we are introducing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to the YSA e-portfolio. This is a simple extra step when logging in, designed to protect accounts from unauthorised access.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication means that when you log in, you’ll need:
- Your usual email address and password
- A 6-digit verification code sent to your school email address
This makes it much harder for anyone else to access your account, even if they somehow know your password.
What Will Happen When You Log In?
Here’s how it works:
✅ Step 1 – Log in as normal
Enter your email address and password.
✅ Step 2 – Tick “Remember Me” (optional but recommended)
If you tick the “Remember Me” box:
- Your device will stay logged in for 30 days
- You won’t need to re-enter your password during that time (unless you log out)
This is particularly helpful if you are using your own device regularly.
✅ Step 3 – Enter Your Verification Code
- The first time you log in, you will be asked to enter a 6-digit code
- After that, you’ll be asked to enter a code every 7 days
- The code will be sent automatically to your registered email address
Simply:
- Open your email
- Copy or note the 6-digit code
- Paste or type it into the verification box
- Click “Verify Code”
You will then be logged into the e-portfolio as normal.
Why Are We Doing This?
We are introducing 2FA to:
- Protect participant accounts
- Strengthen data security
- Ensure the YSA platform meets modern digital safeguarding standards
As the Youth STEMM Award continues to grow nationally and internationally, it’s important that our systems grow with us.
What If a Participant Has Trouble Accessing Their Email?
If a participant cannot access their registered email address:
- School-based participants should speak to their school IT team
- Independent participants should check their email account access
If further support is needed, coordinators or participants can contact the YSA team directly.
A Small Change for Greater Security
We understand this adds a small extra step – but it significantly increases account security.
Thank you for your support as we continue improving the YSA digital experience for everyone involved.
If you have any questions, please get in touch.
The Youth STEMM Award Team
