On the 1st December we invited our STEM charities, Spectris employees, and the Foundation’s board to hear from a selection of our STEM partnerships to celebrate two incredible years since The Spectris Foundation distributed its very first grant. Technovation, Lightyear Foundation, ENTHUSE Charitable Trust and Apps for Good gave an insight to their organisations and how they’ve been using the foundation’s funding. Almost 200 people from around the world attended and was an inspiring afternoon which brought our foundation’s mission to life!
The Spectris Foundation’s mission to engineer bright futures by giving access to quality STEM education globally. In the UK, only 31% of core STEM subjects are studied by women or non-binary students, and our government acknowledges women, certain ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are underrepresented in STEM education. There are many obstacles, including a rapid decline in teachers remaining in the profession – with nearly half of all newly qualified teachers leaving within the first five years.
The Spectris Foundation recognises the need for quality STEM education far exceeds the UK, and that is why we fund global programs and work with specialist charitable partners who can make our mission a reality.
Over the past two years, the foundation has awarded £1.3 million pounds to 69 charities globally. Committing £1.1 million to STEM education. This year, we have awarded 7 STEM grants to new and existing partners. We are grateful to our charitable partners who are working to make our mission a reality, to find out more click here.
Aside from our primary mission in supporting access to STEM Education, at the heart of the Foundation’s philanthropic endeavor is an approach that empowers Spectris Group employees to champion causes that are close to their hearts. Grants of up to £5,000 are awarded to a diverse range of initiatives across the globe, highlighting the companies global reach and dedication towards making a positive impact on our world.
In 2023, we have proudly awarded 23 grants, totaling to £91,000 in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and China. Our hope is these small grants are impactful for the charities and the employees who have nominated them, and are another way our foundation is trying to contribute towards improving our world.
Thank you for everyone who has been involved with The Spectris Foundation this year! We look forward to another exciting year!