Over the past year, our partnership with Techniquest has inspired young people across Wales by introducing them to diverse, relatable role models working across a wide range of STEM careers. By connecting Techniquest’s trusted network of primary and secondary schools with STEM Untapped’s growing community of women in STEM, we created meaningful opportunities for pupils to explore careers they may never have considered, build science capital and develop confidence in their own futures. Together, we placed a particular emphasis on increasing the visibility of women in STEM, helping pupils from all backgrounds see that STEM careers are varied, exciting and achievable.

Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year we have:

• Reached 1,280+ primary and secondary pupils
• Engaged 38 schools
• Delivered 21 online career talks
• Connected 23 pen pals
• Partnered with 40+ role models

The Importance of Role Models

Research from Microsoft found that the number of girls interested in STEM across Europe almost doubles when they have a role model to inspire them. Role models play a crucial role in helping learners see themselves in the world and envision the possibilities for their future. In STEM, exposure to diverse and inspiring professionals can make all the difference and research consistently shows that relatable STEM role models boost confidence, challenge stereotypes, increase a sense of belonging and encourage young people to consider STEM careers they may not otherwise have imagined.

STEM Opens Doors: Careers Talks for Primary Schools

5 primary schools took part in a year-long programme of online career fairs featuring 12 role models working across a range of STEM sectors. From palaeontology and nuclear medicine to engineering and wildlife conservation, pupils met professionals whose careers challenged stereotypes and demonstrated the breadth of STEM opportunities available. The same schools attended all sessions to maximise impact through a multi-intervention approach and they all served communities with relatively high levels of free school meal eligibility, where pupils are less likely to have access to diverse role models and career enrichment opportunities.

“The project successfully increased pupils’ engagement with scientific thinking while broadening their awareness of real-world careers in science. Pupils developed curiosity, confidence, and a clearer understanding of how science is used beyond the classroom.”
Primary teacher feedback

Bringing STEM careers into the classroom: Pen Pal Project

27 classes from 21 primary schools matched with an inspirational STEM role model. The exchange began with an introductory letter before becoming an interactive Q&A between pupils and their pen pal. The programme engaged 810 primary pupils who enjoyed learning about the variety of career paths, asking questions about their jobs, sharing their own interests and discovering opportunities they hadn’t previously known existed.

Pen pals reported the programme to be highly rewarding and joyful to receive the pupils’ letters. They also enjoyed challenging their communication skills to translate the complex science in their work into age-appropriate language.

The project successfully connected classroom learning with relatable STEM professionals, helping make science meaningful, relevant and inspiring. Pupils finished the programme with stronger scientific thinking skills and a clearer understanding of future career opportunities. 70% of teachers agreed the project also supported pupils’ literacy and writing skills, providing an additional educational benefit beyond careers education.

“Pupils loved the anticipation of a letter and the novelty of a pen pal. They enjoyed learning about the different jobs and were very interested in the photos which brought the letter to life.”
Primary teacher feedback

Celebrating National Science Week: Careers Fair for Secondary Pupils

Throughout Science Week, 12 STEM professionals gave 10-minute talks followed by a 10-minute interactive Q&A with 322 secondary pupils from 11 schools. Students heard directly from scientists, engineers and researchers before asking questions about university, career pathways and life working in STEM.

Students heard directly from scientists, engineers and researchers, helping bring STEM careers to life through honest conversations about university, career pathways and working in STEM. Speakers also valued the opportunity to develop their communication skills while inspiring the next generation.

“This event was a brilliant reminder of something really powerful: when someone speaks with genuine passion about what they do, it’s infectious. That kind of enthusiasm doesn’t just inform people, it inspires them. If we can spark even a fraction of curiosity in young people exploring STEM, then we’re doing something right.”
Sharon Strugnell CEng MICE FIMMM MAPM PMP, Chartered Engineer

The lasting impact

This partnership has shown what’s possible when education, industry and volunteers come together with a shared purpose. More than 1,200 pupils have met inspiring role models, explored careers they may never have considered, and begun to see themselves reflected in the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By building lasting partnerships, STEM Untapped and Techniquest are helping create a more diverse, informed and inspired pipeline of future STEM talent for Wales.

Amy Stout and Meg Isaacs with 3 STEM Untapped role modes: Nicole, Keziah and Kiran

Co-written by Meg Isaacs and Andrea Meyrick