Give up to 15 students the chance to gain a Youth STEMM Award for just £50
Thanks to funding from the Jack Petchey Foundation, state-funded schools and colleges in London and Essex can access up to 15 subsidised Youth STEMM Award places for students in Years 7–12.
The package is worth more than £650, with participating institutions contributing just £50.
Places are limited, so schools and colleges are encouraged to express their interest as soon as possible.
What is the Youth STEMM Award?
The Youth STEMM Award is a national skills award that works in a similar way to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Students complete STEMM-related activities, log their hours and reflect on what they have learnt as they work towards an award.
Activities contribute towards four skill strands:
Together, these strands help students develop skills and attributes including communication, leadership, teamwork, confidence, independent learning and careers awareness.
Almost any STEMM-related activity undertaken outside normal curriculum lessons can count, whether it takes place at school, at home, online or in the community. This might include clubs, competitions, workshops, visits, online courses, work experience, careers activities, independent projects or communicating STEMM to others.
This means schools can build on enrichment already taking place, while encouraging students to seek out new experiences and take greater ownership of their development.
Who can take part?
The subsidised places are available to state-funded schools and colleges in London and Essex for students in Years 7–12.
Schools are encouraged to offer places inclusively – not only to students already identified as high-achieving or strongly engaged in STEMM. The Award can be particularly valuable for young people who would benefit from greater confidence, encouragement, structure and recognition.
Funded students will begin by working towards the Bronze Award, which requires 45 hours of STEMM-related activity.
What is included?
Each participating institution will receive up to 15 subsidised Bronze Award places, including:
- Access to the YSA digital portfolio
- A printed handbook and YSA pin badge for each student
- Resources and support for the school coordinator
- Assessment of completed awards
Students completing their award receive a medal, certificate, digital badge and a copy of Notes from Sir Jack Petchey. They also gain a portfolio of skills and experiences they can draw on in UCAS applications, future applications and job interviews.
Participating institutions will be invited to an end-of-year celebration event in summer 2027.
What will the school need to do?
Each school or college will nominate a coordinator to allocate places, approve students’ activities and monitor their progress through the online portal. YSA will provide guidance, resources and ongoing support.
Why now?
Following a successful first year of our partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, the opportunity is expanding to reach up to 28 schools and colleges and 420 young people across London and Essex.
With growing emphasis on inclusive, high-quality enrichment, YSA provides a structured way to recognise students’ participation and the skills they develop beyond normal lessons.
Interested?
Places are limited. To find out more or express an interest, email hq@ysawards.co.uk, including the name and location of your school or college.
Co-Founder | Director Youth STEMM Award
