New evaluation report highlights how to embed environmental sustainability in STEM outreach
EngineeringUK has published a new evaluation report offering insights into how environmental sustainability can be meaningfully embedded in STEM outreach. Based on findings from programmes such as The Big Bang Fair, Energy Quest and Climate Schools Programme, the report identifies key lessons for designing impactful content.
As the UK advances towards net zero, demand for green skills is rising. The report shows how sustainability themes not only engage students, but also enhance their understanding of engineering and technology’s role in solving global challenges.
Key findings include:
- Students are more engaged when learning how engineers tackle environmental problems
- Repeated exposure to environmental sustainability themes is crucial for long-term impact
- Schools prefer resources that link to the curriculum and existing green initiative
- Content must be updated regularly to reflect new careers, policies and discoveries
The report also explores barriers such as limited school time and budgets, offering practical advice for outreach providers. With climate change high on the agenda, the findings are essential reading for organisations looking to make a meaningful difference in their STEM outreach programmes and activities.
Environmental sustainability is a topic that resonates strongly with young people. Through our outreach work, we’ve seen how integrating this theme can engage students with this topic and open up conversations about green careers and engineering's role in building a sustainable future.
— Laura Fowler, Evaluation Officer, EngineeringUK
