STEM Ambassodors volunteer their time, enthusiasm and experience to encourage and inspire young people to achieve more and progress further in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
With an interest in science from a young age, 20 year old Daniel Stewart, an NC Applied Science student from the College’s Greenock campus was keen to help bring science to life and demonstrate the value that it has to life and careers.
Speaking to Daniel about the Ambassador programme and why he wanted to get involved he said, “I’ve always been interested in how things work; the science behind humans and animals.
'It wasn’t until I reached high school that I actually got the opportunity to learn about science as it wasn’t something that was really covered at primary school level.
‘For me learning about science in school was pretty basic; you were sat in a typical classroom environment and taught about the three main groups; biology, chemistry and physics. Not the most exciting or engaging. That’s why I wanted to get involved in the ambassador programme; having the opportunity to educate young people that there’s so much more to science, how it benefits us and to be able to demonstrate that science is fun and hopefully inspire them to want to learn to more.
'The most enjoyable part is the volunteering, getting out there meeting school children and getting involved with them – being able to interact with them and pass on my knowledge.
It’s nice to know that I can pass on my enthusiasm and love for science and that I can make their learning experience relevant and fun.
‘Although I don’t think age is major thing, I think kids like to hear information from someone a bit closer in age – it makes them feel a bit less intimidated and makes them feel more connected.”
As well as engaging and enthusing others, being a STEM Ambassador gives students the opportunity to develop and improve their own skills.
“Being an Ambassador has increased my confidence, it’s encourage me to get more involved with others and has taken me out of my comfort zone and increased my skillset all round.
It’s given me the opportunity to explore science on another level, it’s an excellent networking tool which has allowed me to meet other people and has really helped establish where I want to go with my career.
‘It’s a real satisfying and rewarding job and something that I’m proud to be part of.”
Speaking to Curriculum and Quality Leader for Science, Sandra Spence she tells us about why she thinks the Ambassador programme is so beneficial to her students, “As Daniel said, STEM Ambassadors volunteer to work with school pupils to carry out science experiments.
'We recognised that this provides opportunities not only for the pupils but also for our students, so we actively encourage our students to register with the programme.
'It’s a great way to develop skills for employment and because pupils see our students as role models it’s amazing to see how much this enhances their confidence. Whether it’s explaining to a 6-year-old how electricity makes things work in their house or analysing blood spatter with P7 pupils, the students are willing to try new experiments and learn as they go, which is what successful science is all about”.
If you’re interested in Science and what to find out more about our courses on offer and how you could be part of the Ambassador programme, click here.