Building relationships with schools

Schools provide a structured environment in which girls can get the most out of the opportunity to see STEM in action. As an employer it's well worth developing relationships with those nearby. Identify which schools you would like to target for your engagement, and reach out to offer support.

A student presents to class with the tutor

Top tips for STEM outreach for schools

Identify key contacts

Find the right member of staff to approach—this could be the head teacher, head of science, the Chair of Governors, or head of careers. School websites, social media, and local networks can help you identify the best contact.

Try to avoid busy periods

Schedule contact so it doesn’t clash with the start of the academic year or any exam periods. You can find details of exams and school term times on local council websites and on school websites.

Make a personal connection

Once you have identified the right contact, reach out directly. A phone call or letter can be more effective than email for making a personal connection – you can always follow up with an email later. See our sample letter for help.

download sample letter

Be clear what you can offer

Outline what you can offer them, such as specialist knowledge about skills needed in the industry, and opportunities and pathways for learners, including apprenticeships. You may also offer interactions with relatable role models or a tour of your facilities. It’s also good to highlight any opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for staff and careers leads to gain deeper insights into STEM careers.

Maintain the relationship

Get familiar with the school’s calendar, understand their scheduled events and the national campaigns they support. Explore ways you could assist with their future planning and think about whether they can include your business in their programming for the following year.

How to engage with schools

Attend careers events

Schools run careers choice evenings, Options evenings, and recruitment fairs over the course of the year.

Running workshops

Offer sessions for students on preparing for application processes and brushing up on essential skills.

Support school clubs

Get involved in extracurricular STEM clubs after school, or run other activities alongside lessons.

Engage with parents/guardians

Get parents talking about the possibilities in discussions about STEM careers and apprenticeships.

Support teachers and leaders

Provide the right resources to support teaching staff in building an understanding of your business and the wider sector.

Offer visits to the workplace

Host virtual or in-person workplace tours to give students some real-world insights into STEM careers.

Work experience

Whether it’s a week-long placement or a shorter shift on the shop floor, students would benefit from an authentic experience of the work.

Evening activities

If schools find it difficult to allocate time during the school day, evening activities like parents' evenings or careers events might be a more effective option for reaching girls.

Taster days

Hosting taster days or career events specifically for women and girls can provide a supportive environment, where they can explore STEM activities they might not have tried before.

Developing an idea of these various entry points and pathways into a STEM career gives the young person multiple opportunities to engage, which means building a relationship between yourself and a potential recruit. It creates an environment where girls’ interest in STEM is celebrated and encouraged.

Now read on to find a variety of other resources, including the partnerships we've developed in our mission to boost STEM prospects for women and girls.

How to develop STEM outreach partnerships