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
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