About Prospering Peckham - building a sustainable community with underrepresented future engineers
Prospering Peckham (PP) was an 8-week programme that targeted young people aged 14-15 who are typically underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and face multiple barriers breaking into the industry. Prospering Peckham was a pilot programme pairing 60 students from Harris Academy Peckham with 12+ relatable engineers and students across London to create solutions to reduce air pollution in Peckham. The programme was delivered in three phases: “Engage & Inspire”, “Empower” and “Unleash”.
The PP programme was split into 8 activities to help students create a solution to air pollution by understanding the engineering design process, creating a problem statement and presenting their ideas to a panel of judges at a celebration event to give the young people a sense of achievement.
Key outcomes
- 60 students from disadvantaged backgrounds directly supported
- 600+ students engaged (i.e. school-wide presentations, showcases)
- Content received over 276,000 impressions (via. marketing campaigns on social media platforms and print)
- Reached over 40,000+ on Instagram alone
- 15+ relatable guest speakers and volunteers engaged
- 71% of students with Increased educational attainment in at least one STEM subject
- 92% have knowledge of the careers and skills required across sectors in STEM
- 70% more likely to pursue a career in STEM
- 88% noted increased soft and leadership skills to become change-makers in STEM
- 12 STEM-based solutions designed to tackle local climate issues (pollution)
