Getting Started with STEM Events
Schools & Youth Groups:
How to create a request for STEM Ambassador Support
To create a request for STEM Ambassador support the first step is to login to www.stem.org.uk, in your dashboard there is an option to ‘Create an Activity’. You will be asked to provide a description of what you would like the STEM Ambassador to do. As an example this could be; ‘our Year 5 would like to learn more about engineering careers, could someone visit and give a 20 minute talk on their engineering career‘ or ‘our Scout Troop is pursuing their science badge, please could an Ambassador run a science workshop with us?‘
When a STEM Ambassador volunteers for your activity you will receive an email notification of their ‘expression of interest’.
STEM Ambassadors:
How to find requests from Schools & Youth Groups
Once you’ve completed your STEM Induction training and DBS Check, you can start volunteering as a STEM Ambassador. You can find all current requests for STEM Support via your STEM profile, please login and navigate to the Ambassadors tab to browse all upcoming events. Your STEM team will also keep you up to date with what’s going on in your area with regular emails.
If you spot a request from a school or youth group that you feel you could support then you can volunteer for that activity by ‘expressing an interest‘. You can then send the activity organiser a message; introduce yourself and ask any questions you may have.
Expressions of Interest
An expression of interest is a notification that a STEM Ambassador could be available to support a request. It isn’t a firm commitment, but the start of a conversation about the request. Please respond to any messages in a timely fashion. The activity organiser (usually a teacher or youth group leader) is responsible for managing their request, and will need to decide on next steps:
Option 1: Accept the offer
This will confirm the Ambassador on the STEM portal, and cover them with our insurance for when they participate in the event. It’s now time to confirm the logistical details and agree on a plan.
Option 2: Decline the offer
Both the STEM Ambassador and activity organiser can withdraw from the event at any time. Declining or withdrawing will send a very polite notification to let the other party know.
Making a plan
It’s important for the STEM Ambassador and the activity organiser to have a discussion prior to any activities taking place, there is a messaging function to enable you to have an introductory chat about the event. We’d recommend swapping direct contact information, to enable you to better discuss the logistical details of the event, as well as any aims or expectations, and school visitor policies. Sometimes scheduling can be a problem, please try to keep the lines of communication open and give as much notice as possible if there are scheduling conflicts.
The checklist and guidance below will give you an outline of what planning conversations need to take place prior to your event.
If your event is taking place in a school, then the activity organiser will need to make sure that the Ambassador is expected at reception. Some schools have closed IT systems or disabled USB ports, so it may not be possible to run presentations on an external device. The Ambassador may need to bring ID and will need escorting to & from any classrooms. Ambassadors should never be left alone with students, it’s the schools responsibility to safeguard their young people as well as manage student behaviour.
