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Raytheon launches STEM partnership with local schools

Published: Jun 17, 2020 3 min read

STEM learning

Technology firm Raytheon announces it is funding a partnership with schools to continue its well-established support for UK STEM education.

Raytheon, a defence and aerospace company, and winner of Inspirational STEM Employer of the Year (Large Organisation) at the 2019 STEM Inspiration Awards, is the latest employer to launch an ENTHUSE Partnership with STEM Learning.

ENTHUSE Partnerships bring schools and colleges together to work collaboratively, to develop an intensive two-year programme to raise aspiration and achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Each partnership works with a group of six-to-eight schools and colleges, providing access to CPD, free resources, immersion in industry or university through teacher placements, STEM Ambassadors and enrichment activities.

Raytheon Head of STEM UK Sophie Wilson said:

“Raytheon UK is delighted to partner with STEM Learning on its ENTHUSE Partnership to help support teachers in our local communities to deliver STEM education. We're specifically working with schools local to our Raytheon sites as we see the importance of nurturing our local community and investing in local talent to help develop skills, knowledge and opportunities for young people throughout our community. Raytheon is looking forward to further developing our award-winning STEM outreach programme to benefit more budding STEM learners across the UK.”

In supporting an ENTHUSE Partnership, Raytheon joins firms from across the business world, including such diverse names as ASDA, GSK, Goldman Sachs, Jacobs and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

Leslie Whyte-Venables, Regional Network Lead for STEM Learning, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Raytheon. It has an impressive track record of engaging local schools in its educational initiatives that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and business professionals, and develop future innovators. Central to this is its emphasis on encouraging girls and under-represented groups to consider fulfilling STEM careers.”

Raytheon’s new partnership adds to its established initiatives to support STEM, which include its flagship annual Quadcopter Challenge Competition and the MathsAlive! UK exhibit. Key to its activities are its hundreds of STEM Ambassadors: employees who volunteer their time to inspire young people with their experiences of STEM applications in the real world.

Raytheon software engineer and STEM Ambassador Joss said:

"I feel very lucky to be involved in Raytheon’s STEM programme. It’s great to be part of a team that gives back to the community and inspires the next generation. Being a STEM Ambassador has taken me to local schools, cadet units, air shows, museums and even the CEO awards.

“I’ve had great support from the rest of the STEM team as well as my line managers and everybody else up the chain, right to the top. For me the best part is when you see someone have a lightbulb moment and understand a concept that seemed alien to them only moments before.”

Raytheon has also produced a STEM activity booklet that can be found here.

STEM Learning is always looking to work with new partners to improve STEM education in the UK. If you are interested in finding out more, please email employer@stem.org.uk.

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