A framework for building STEM interest and aspiration throughout school
While a single STEM outreach activity can be inspiring, enjoyable and informative, research suggests that providing young people with ongoing, repeated experiences is more effective.
The Sustained STEM engagement framework is a guide for schools, businesses and outreach providers on building ongoing STEM activity for young people. It is not intended as a final model, but a working example intended to prompt reflection, discussion and adaptation to individual schools.
The framework provides a structured approach for schools and educators to plan, sequence, and deliver meaningful, age-appropriate STEM activities throughout a student's educational journey. It is built on research into STEM identity development and the concept of 'science capital'.
The framework maps a young person's progression from early associations with STEM in primary school, through identity formation in adolescence, to making informed career decisions.
It adopts both a longitudinal perspective - tracking development over time - and a learning ecology approach. This acknowledges that STEM engagement is shaped by experiences across various environments, including family, school, community, and media.
The model is organised into three interconnected levels:
- career aspiration development
- STEM identity formation
- experiences that build STEM identities and capital
Is your activity on Neon?
If you run STEM outreach for young people, we can help promote it, free of charge. Neon gives you a shop window for your programmes and activities, and lets you target the audiences you need.
