Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Youth Programmes for young people aged 10 to 18 years

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Youth Programmes for young people aged 10-18 years 

We are calling out to local businesses to support their local young people to gain employable skills through local STEM Volunteer Led Clubs.

How to support this initiative?  

Promote the STEM Youth Programmes to your staff as we are on the search for adult volunteers (weekly or monthly). Please see attached posters and feel free to pass on my contact details.

Background

In June 2017 the Roscommon County STEM Youth Programme was launched. This is a joint initiative with Roscommon County Council, Roscommon Lions Club and Foroige (Youth Organisation for 10-18 year olds) which promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) youth clubs and groups in County Roscommon. 

Roscommon Children and Young People Services Committees have supported this project through funding of equipment such as laptops and tablets. This has made the coding, animation and film groups more accessible to all young people, removing barriers for those who don't have access to a laptop.

Since this launched two Lego Clubs in Boyle have been established for 10-12 year olds. Each week the young people complete a range of projects using Lego such as engineering challenges, animation and teambuilding activities.

Roscommon Coderdojo is still progressing with young people attending weekly and completing scratch (basic coding) projects.

A volunteer led Coding Club has been recently established in Ballaghaderreen and we hope to grow the options of activities for young people in this area.

All these programmes aim to promote the following outcomes for young people but not limited to educational, employment, social opportunities of young people are enhanced through the development skills such as Creativity, Innovation, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making.

During 2018 we are planning to extend these clubs to the Castlerea and Strokestown area. We need adult volunteers with an interest in supporting STEM based clubs for young people 10-18 years with an interest in activities such as Photography, Animation, Film Making, Science Club, Coding, Lego Clubs and much more.

Thanks to the local communities and volunteers who have been key in promoting and supporting these clubs. This continued support is vital to ensure the continued growth of these clubs and opportunities for the young people of County Roscommon.

If you would like more information on this initiative, how to set up something in your local area or to volunteer with these clubs please contact Megan Depinna on 086 1455456 or by email at megan.depinna@foroige.ie