It was my privilege to enjoy a 20-year career as a plant scientist at the John Innes Centre, where I gained my PhD through the University of East Anglia. Now I want to enable others to reach their potential and help break down stereotypes of what a career in STEMM can involve. As a social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Youth STEMM Award (YSA), I’ve witnessed thousands of young people take their first steps towards exciting and meaningful careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM). I passionately believe that offering the right opportunities can spark curiosity and transform lives, which is great for the individual and society.

The YSA is a nationally recognised programme designed to inspire and engage young people in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine. Open to participants aged 11 to 19, the award offers a platform for students to gain hands-on experience, explore career possibilities and develop valuable life skills.

In this article, I’ll explain what the Youth STEMM Award is, why it’s worth participating in, and how to get involved.

What is the Youth STEMM Award?

The Youth STEMM Award (YSA) is an innovative initiative that inspires young people aged 11 to 19 to engage with science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) through extracurricular activities. The programme provides a framework that adds value to otherwise one-off activities and enables participants to track their progress while they develop valuable life skills, enhancing their future career prospects.

Structured across three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – the YSA encourages participants to log hours across four strands:

  • Inspiring the next generation, which builds confidence and leadership skills
  • Engaging the public, which is focused on communication and presentation skills
  • Developing your skills and knowledge, going above and beyond the curriculum
  • Shaping your future, which ensures a wide range of career and training paths are explored

This framework ensures a holistic approach to STEMM education, enabling students to explore new interests, deepen existing passions and develop a reflective mindset when logging the time spent. With its strong emphasis on personal development, the Youth STEMM Award is recognised by educators and employers alike as a mark of dedication and achievement. It is also listed as an extracurricular option on the UCAS university application form, making it highly valuable for those planning to apply to higher education.

A group of award completers at The Forum in Norwich at an end of Year celebration event with YSA patron Mark Thompson and Michelle Reeve (Science Communicator).

Group of YSA completers at The Forum in Norwich at the end of Year celebration event with YSA patron Mark Thompson and Michelle Reeve (Science Communicator).

Why participate in the Youth STEMM Award?

Achieving a Youth STEMM Award is more than receiving a certificate, medal and digital badge, though those things are, of course, great to receive! Here’s why thousands of young people in the UK and beyond are choosing to get involved:

  • Enhance university applications: Whether you’re applying to study medicine, engineering, or any subject, demonstrating commitment to STEMM activities can set you apart from other applicants, particularly for the most competitive courses and universities. The YSA showcases your initiative, enthusiasm and ability to engage in self-directed learning.
  • Develop transferable skills: Beyond subject-specific knowledge, participants gain essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These are vital in any career path and highly sought after by employers.
  • Explore STEMM careers: The YSA works with prestigious individuals and organisations such as the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, which offers unique opportunities for participants. Staying engaged with these events can enrich your award experience and broaden your network.
  • Promote social impact: Many YSA participants use their award to give back to their communities. Whether through tutoring younger students, volunteering at science fairs, or organising environmental campaigns, the award fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership.
  • Build confidence: Logging achievements and reflecting on experiences helps participants to recognise their own growth, building self-confidence and resilience.

Since launching in 2016, YSA has supported over 5,000 young people across 11 countries. We partner with schools, colleges, universities and industry professionals to empower students to develop skills, gain experiences and achieve their aspirations in STEMM fields.

YSA participant engaging with children at the Royal Norfolk Show.

YSA participants engaging with the public in STEMM at the Royal Norfolk Show.

What participants say

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is hearing directly from young people about how the Youth STEMM Award has benefitted them. Seeing how it positively impacts their choices and next steps makes all the effort and hard work so worthwhile!

  • “Taking part in YSA has inspired me to actively remain involved in STEMM, seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth.” – Alankrita, Silver Award Recipient 2024
  • “It [The YSA] has helped build a portfolio of things to talk about in interviews/personal statement. It has also pushed me to get work experience which will help to get into a career in STEMM.” – William, Gold Award Recipient 2024
  • “I have interest in engineering and tech and doing my Youth STEMM Award has helped me learn more and helped me build up my self-esteem.” – Isreal, Bronze Award participant 2024

How to get involved with the Youth STEMM Award

Getting started with the Youth STEMM Award is simple. It is accessible to students across the UK and internationally. Visit the YSA website to find out more about fees and sign up to take part.

Costs start at just £25 for participants joining through a school group in the UK.

  • Sign up through your school or college: Many educational institutions are already part of the YSA network. Speak to your teacher or careers advisor to find out if your school is registered. If not, suggest they consider joining! The process is straightforward, and the YSA team provides comprehensive support.
  • Register as an independent participant: For students whose schools are not part of the YSA network, there’s the option to register independently. This allows anyone with a passion for STEMM to take part and work towards their award.
  • Use our resources: The YSA e-portfolio makes it easy to track progress, reflect on activities, and plan future goals. Tutorials and guides are available online to help you make the most of the platform.
YSA participant engaging with the public at the Royal Norfolk Show.

YSA participants engaging with the public in STEMM at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Final thoughts

The Youth STEMM Award is more than just an extracurricular activity – it’s a gateway to exciting opportunities, personal growth and career development in STEMM. Whether you’re an aspiring doctor, an engineer in the making, or simply curious about the world of STEMM, this award provides the tools, support, and inspiration you need to succeed.

Ready to take the first step? Visit the Youth STEMM Award website today to learn more and kickstart your journey.

By participating in the Youth STEMM Award, you’re not just investing in your future – you’re contributing to the global community of tomorrow’s innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders ready to tackle the big challenges.

Samantha Fox.

Dr Samantha Fox

Co-Founder and Director – Youth STEMM Award CIC

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