Get involved

We rely on the generosity of grant makers, individuals, businesses, and philanthropists to empower young people in the UK with access to life-changing STEM education.

The need for our programmes is increasing, as schools and families find themselves under increasing pressure, making access to careers advice and extra-curricular activities out of reach for many young people.

By age fifteen, nearly 3 out of 4 young people say they have never visited a workplace and half of students say that they worry that they are not prepared for life after school. A similar proportion feel that school has not given them confidence to make decisions and do not feel well-prepared for their future path (OECD Education Working Paper May 2024).

Over 15,000 young people take part in an EDT programme each year, but there is still much more to do – for some of our courses, we receive 3 applications for every place we are able to offer.

Donate
SUPPORT us
A student carefully working on a project in class

Charitable trusts, foundations, and philanthropists

Our partnerships with grant makers and philanthropists help us to expand our programmes, inspiring young people from under-represented groups to see themselves in STEM. Your support can enable young people to take part in hands-on STEM activities and projects, work with mentors from diverse backgrounds, and build vital connections with employers and educators.

We’re passionate about STEM but our programmes go beyond building STEM skills and knowledge – they are a perfect vehicle to build core skills including teamwork, communication skills, and problem solving as well as self-confidence. By mobilising volunteer role models and mentors, we raise young people’s aspirations and challenge pre-conceptions of who can succeed in different careers.

donate
A teacher helping students working on a digital project

Companies

EDT works with companies to create tailored partnerships that inspire customers, employees, and industry peers to support the next generation of STEM leaders. Our national reach, combined with local delivery, gives us the flexibility and resources to work with you on national, strategic partnerships or to focus on communities where your staff and customers live.

As a partner, EDT can:

  • Build core employability skills at each level including creativity, innovation, digital, confidence, resilience to support journey to work readiness.
  • Provide meaningful, skills-based volunteering for your teams, with virtual and on-site options.
  • Showcase your commitment to CSR to our audiences, including schools, FE/HE institutions, students, and the wider STEM sector.

Work with us by:

  • Supporting one of our core programmes, creating sustainable change in access to STEM education and workplace experiences.
  • Co-create a programme which showcases your business or sector, which our experienced team can deliver with input from your colleagues.
  • Choosing us as your charity of the year.
  • Employee fundraising and matched giving.
Donate
Industrial Cadets discuss their project in class

Individuals

Every donation, big or small, will help a young person develop STEM skills to succeed in life.
If you're a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid allows us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate, increasing the value of your gift at no extra cost to you.

donate
Happy Industrial Cadets in the classroom
A teacher assisting a young student

Volunteers

As a volunteer, you’ll be helping young people to build their skills, confidence, and passion for STEM. Our volunteering opportunities range from giving an hour of your time to speak to young people about your role, to delivering weekly mentoring sessions with teams of young people undertaking STEM projects.

In return, you’ll become part of the EDT & Industrial Cadets community, can use your existing skills and develop new ones, enjoy the wellbeing boost that comes with volunteering, and build new connections.

You don’t need previous STEM or teaching experience to volunteer in all our roles, we are looking for excellent communicators who are friendly and approachable and most importantly enjoy working with young people.

To find out more about volunteering contact us on edtvolunteers@etrust.org.uk

Donate
A proud Industrial Cadet shows off her STEM electronics project
Two Industrial Cadets collaborate on their STEM project