In a move aimed at fostering diversity and inclusivity in the field of engineering, the Drax Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the renewable energy company Drax Group, has announced a £15,000 donation towards the EngineeringUK Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) bursary. Through a matching contribution, the bursary's total worth is set to double to £30,000.
The EDI bursary initiative has been launched to provide critical support to schools, primarily serving students from demographics underrepresented in the engineering field. The goal is to address the challenges inhibiting students' engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities, ultimately fostering greater diversity among those considering engineering as a future career path.
The newfound financial backing from the Drax Foundation will enable schools across the United Kingdom to actively participate in STEM activities, with a particular focus on the EngineeringUK Big Bang at School program. Big Bang at School brings the exciting world of STEM education directly into classrooms, encouraging young individuals to explore potential careers in engineering and science. Offering hands-on workshops and captivating demonstrations, this program strives to make learning a fun and engaging experience.
The Drax Foundation's involvement is aligned with Drax's community-centric approach, which emphasizes the positive impact the company seeks to create in the regions where it operates. A core facet of the Foundation's work is the provision of funding for activities aimed at nurturing STEM skills among the community.
The newly allocated funds for the EDI bursary will be directed towards schools located in regions where Drax has a presence in the UK, encompassing areas such as Selby, Oban, Dumfries, and Galloway. Interested schools can submit funding applications through the EngineeringUK website.
"EngineeringUK is doing fantastic work in supporting more young people, and particularly those from diverse backgrounds, to become interested in engineering and pursue a career in the profession. We are delighted to be providing more funding to their EDI bursary scheme which will enable more school pupils to participate in STEM activities in the areas where we operate,’ commented Shona King, the Head of Community at Drax Group. “The Drax Foundation is committed to giving back to its communities, it’s important to us to help children develop the skills, particularly in STEM, that can help solve challenges like climate change and develop and deploy new technologies like carbon removals."
Susi Farnworth, Head of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at EngineeringUK, also expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: " We’re delighted the Drax Foundation are supporting us with rolling-out our much-loved Big Bang at School programme to more schools around the country. Their donation will help to encourage hundreds more young people, from all backgrounds, to develop a passion for STEM and to consider engineering and technology as a career option.”
