STEM Scholars

Two young students look at a laptop screen with a robot with wheels beside them.

This programme inspires young people to study STEM subjects by teaching you coding and programming.

At a glance

  • Non-residential
  • For pupils in Year 8 who want to study STEM subjects
  • We are not currently taking applications for this programme

Coronavirus (COVID 19)

Please note that our programmes are now running in-person where possible, but some activities may take place on our dedicated online platform. Our first priority remains the safety and well-being of our staff, students and programme participants. Where programmes and events take place at an Imperial campus, participants, staff and students are encouraged to wear face-coverings indoors, especially in enclosed or crowded places, unless exempt.

Our programme coordinators will provide full information about the location and delivery method of our programmes to those enrolled.

Enrolment for our upcoming programmes will continue as usual and further details can be found below.

About STEM Scholars

STEM Scholars is a an eight-day programme that inspires young people in Year 8 to study STEM subjects by teaching them coding, programming and the application of these skills in science and engineering.

What to expect

The programme consists of eight days of activity during the year — six days during the school Easter holiday, followed by a full weekend in June. Students must be able to attend all eight days of the programme to take part.

The sessions run from 9.30 until 16.00 each day and are held at our South Kensington Campus.

During the programme, students gain valuable coding skills using the BBC micro:bit and other technologies. The programme aims to provide participants with a feel for university life as they work closely with Imperial academics and students.

Applicant information

Academic requirements

To take part in this programme, you must be a student in year eight (key stage 3), with an interest in studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects in the future. 

Eligibility criteria

This programme is funded by Imperial College London. It aims to support students from backgrounds under-represented in higher education. We are looking for applicants who meet the following criteria. The more of these criteria that you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place.

  • You are entitled to receive free school meals or pupil premium
  • Your family income is below £50,000/year
  • Your parents/ guardians do not have a university degree•
  • You have been in care or are a young carer*
  • You are studying in a school in the UK that has below average attainment or with a high percentage of students receiving free school meals
  • You live in a neighbourhood with low overall progression rates to higher education (we use ACORN and POLAR3 data to assess this)

* A young carer is someone under 18 years of age who helps look after a relative who has a condition such as a disability, long term illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol dependency. They do extra jobs in and around the home, such as cooking, cleaning, or helping someone to get dressed and move around.

Good luck with your application!

How to apply

Applications for this programme are currently closed.

Please join our mailing list to receive monthly updates about our events.

Contact us

For more information about this programme, please see our Outreach programme FAQs or email the STEM Scholars team.