New UK funding to attract black and ethnic minority students to science
The UK Government has awarded funding to 19 schools for projects to inspire black and ethnic minority students to get involved in science, technology, engineering and maths. The projects include shadowing scientists in a high-tech bioscience laboratory, research on wind, wave, solar and nuclear energy, and the sustainable use of forests. Each school will receive up to GBP 20,000 (€29,286) over the next two years. 'It is vital for the UK's future that young people from all backgrounds are inspired by science, technology, engineering and maths. There should be no subjects which are off limits to any of our students,' said Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Alistair Darling. 'This funding is a small part of doing that. There are great careers here for young people to follow, and these grants can help unlock that interest. It can be good for them and good for the country,' he added. This is the second round of funding for the grants, and has been welcomed by teachers that coordinated previous projects. Many have seen a real change in attitudes towards science, technology, engineering and maths. 'When I look at [my students] I see the next engineer, the next doctor, the next pharmacist. The hardest part is showing the link between what they study in school and real life - these visits have made it clear,' said Larbi Hamam, Head of Maths at two London schools.
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