Funding available for STEM third sector (charity) organisations to work with universities

The South West region of the National HE STEM Programme (www.hestem-sw.org.uk) is, in conjunction with educational charity AccessHE, leading on an initiative to construct a sustainable basis for enhanced partnership between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and `Third Sector' organisations in the delivery of activities to enable progression to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) study at higher education level for learners from groups presently under-represented in higher education. Such groups are defined as those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, those from particular ethnic groups, those with disabilities, children in care and students over the age of 21 at the pre-entry stage to HE.

 We would like to invite third sector organisations to submit a proposal for funding to enable them to develop models of STEM outreach delivery.

The maximum amount of funding available will be £10,000. The objective is to support the development of new and innovative models of Third Sector-HEI partnership work in the STEM outreach field and to be able to document and disseminate these models via a project website, publication, conference and the National Forum for Third Sector HE STEM outreach to be launched in July 2012. The funding will need to be utilised by the end of May 2012.

The deadline for proposals is 5pm, Monday 6th February. For further details and a proposal document, please email Ed Stevens (SW Widening Participation Officer) at e.stevens@bath.ac.uk