Giving pupils the power to excel at STEM

Pupils at London schools are being set a science challenge with a difference: an innovative project to design, build and race a single-seater electric car with a team of classmates.

Greenpower Education Trust, which runs the project, believes a task like this is the perfect way to spark an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

“A vast number of young people in the city don’t have the chance to practically engage with STEM,” says Paul van Veggel, CEO of Greenpower Educational Trust. “Through the implementation of the Greenpower challenge, these children will be able to learn more about engineering in a way which is both fun and educational.”

Our grant of £24,304 to Greenpower Educational Trust will pay for an event for primary school children, where they race the electric cars they’ve created around central London.

“The 2022 Goblin race will provide a platform to showcase the amazing work of these youngsters,” says Paul van Veggel. “Hopefully it will encourage even more schools and clubs to get involved with the Greenpower challenge.”

Our support will also provide 12 car grants to six primary and six secondary schools in lower-income neighbourhoods of London. These will subsidise 50% of the cost of buying their car materials. They can also apply for an additional build grant for extra items, including battery chargers and kit delivery.

At least 64 of the180 student participants will be girls, helping tackle the issue of girls being under-represented in STEM subjects in further education.