Supporting STEM subjects in schools and colleges

 explore STEM is pleased to confirm that we have agreed new arrangements with STEMNET, with effect from 1 July 2011, to manage the Schools STEM Advisory Network and STEM Ambassadors Programme across Essex, Southend and Thurrock.

We will keep schools in this area informed about high-quality activities they can access to enrich and enhance the STEM curriculum and enable them to use a range of STEM Ambassadors so that teachers can incorporate into their teaching exemplary links to the world of work.The current contract runs until March 2015.

STEMNET's vision is to increase young people's choices and chances through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.We support this by

• Offering advice and guidance to teachers on schemes available to them
• Managing the STEM Ambassadors programme to ensure there is a pool of volunteers from industry able to support STEM subjects
• Facilitating links with contacts or organisations best suited to meeting teachers' specific needs 

Find out more on our Schools and Colleges pages

As coordinators of the STEM Ambassadors' programme across Essex, Southend and Thurrock we also:

• Identify professionals with STEM skills to become STEM Ambassadors
• Link STEM Ambassadors with local schools and colleges to act as role models and help inspire and engage young people about the value of STEM in their daily lives
• Help local STEM employers engage with schools and colleges in their communities.

Find out more on our Ambassadors pages

We also manage the British Science Association CREST Awards programme for Essex. 

Registering as a STEM Ambassador

To register as a STEM Ambassador, all the weblinks you need are below. Once you have registered we will be in touch shortly to arrange an induction training session and CRB check.

• If you wish to register as a STEM Ambassador, please click here for a secure link to the STEMNET Ambassador database
  
  
• To  begin an online CRB application, please click here for a secure link to the Disclosure website.
  
  
• For more information about the types of information you need for the CRB application, and for help with completing the form, please click here.
  
  All of this is covered in the guidance document but please note that "Organisation reference" on the first screen should be entered as "Essex", with password left blank; employer name is "explore STEM" (the Essex contract holder, NOT the company you work for) and the position applied for should be "SCHOOL SCIENCE AMBASSADOR". Thanks!
  
  
• For a list of current requests for support from local secondary schools please click here.
  
  
• For requests from primary schools click here.

• To visit STEM networking and learn more about what's happening in the STEM world, please click here.