Quickline and STEM Learning have joined together to help disadvantaged young people boost key digital skills.
The partnership will provide necessary funds over three years to STEM Learning’s ENTHUSE Charitable Trust for research placements, computing equipment, support for teachers and summer STEM camps.
This will transform the prospects of young people in disadvantaged areas by giving them greater access to computing equipment and improved teaching alongside an insight and pathway into a successful computing career.
12 ‘computing clusters’ in schools in areas of disadvantage across West Yorkshire will be created, with these schools receiving funding to work towards the Computing Quality Mark in their computing curriculum. They will also have access to new computing kit.
Young people from the schools will also have the chance to attend STEM camps to further increase their skills, featuring intensive study followed by online career education mentor support.
STEM Learning’s CEO Séverine Trouillet said: “This donation is the essence of why we partner with employers. Quickline’s goal to ensure rural communities have access to fast broadband has a huge impact on these communities, and our work is all about impact too – developing the appreciation and love of STEM in young people and growing the talent pool.”
Sean Royce, CEO at Quickline, said: “We are passionate about empowering the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“Our partnership with STEM Learning and the funding we have provided is a significant step towards improving access to computing resources and education for young people in disadvantaged areas across large parts of Yorkshire.”