Exploring new horizons: Engaging youth through science in their region
Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement worked with two national youth charities, Onside and IntoUniversity bringing them to the centre to learn about the exciting science happening in the region, with the aim to present new possible futures for their participants
Inclusive OutcomeAreas: Belonging, Possible selves, Social connection
Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement have been collaborating with two key community partners, IntoUniversity, a charity that supports young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods to attain their chosen aspirations and OnSide, a national youth charity determined to make sure that all young people have the opportunity to shine, and the chance to discover their passion and purpose. Jodrell collaborated with each partner to develop an exciting and enjoyable day out at the centre for the young people. In total they ran 6 sessions with 6 different youth groups, 4 from the Youth Zone partnership and 2 from IntoUniversity as part of EYU Valuing Inclusion programme.
The focus for each visit was an introduction to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), an international project in which the UK is a participant, with the aim to present participation in this project as a ‘possible future’ for the young people who visit, but also to generate excitement for science and tech jobs in the region. The SKAO is a large-scale international astronomy project, which will create many opportunities for this generation going forwards.
“Getting young people out and seeing the best of their region or their community, is making a difference…getting them to see what the Northwest has to offer in regard to STEM opportunities” – Youth worker
Part of the event included a VR experience, which placed the audience actually within the SKAO radio array itself, bringing it to life. Another element was meeting scientists and PhD students, providing the children with the opportunity to ask them questions. This was a popular part of the visit as it was noted that giving the children, who had never met a scientist before, the opportunity to ask them questions and be silly with them, changed the children’s perspectives on what a scientist is and who could be a scientist. Questions such as how tall are you, how do you grow your beard? Were asked to one PhD student, which gave the children a chance to get to know the scientist and see them in a more approachable light. On the other hand, it was mentioned that the scientist could’ve been more prepared in advance for the children because he didn’t know what to talk about at first, highlighting the importance of preparation and structure in these types of sessions for both participant and expert. Another highlight mentioned by the OnSide community partner was how powerful it was the act of taking the group of children out of their small community in Wigan, to see a different part of their region, and to show them the science and projects that are being carried out in their area. He mentioned how one child had started looking into how to apply for university after coming back from the trip, they felt inspired and saw more possibilities for their future.
Please see below the Explore Your Universe: Valuing Inclusion report by Jen DeWitt and Sophie Bartlett. This report delves into the findings from the grant programme and how effective the 6 inclusive outcome areas were.