SSERC (Scottish Schools Education Research Centre) Young STEM Leader Award (Formal) SCQF L4-6

Why this award?

The Young STEM Leader Programme (YSLP) aims to inspire more young people to develop an interest in STEM and pursue the study of STEM subjects and relevant future pathways.

As well as allowing the YSLs to develop important leadership, communication and employability skills, working towards a YSLP Award will also motivate young people to continue to progress their STEM studies and perhaps eventually embark on a career in STEM.

Above all else, this programme aims to promote STEM curiosity in young people and to encourage them to learn about the world around them in a fun and engaging way.

The programme is offered in two versions:

• Non-formal version, digitally badged or certificated
• Formal version, SCQF credit rated by SQA

See more information on the Young STEM Leader You Tube Channel

Who is it for?

This programme is open to all young people in Scotland starting from upper primary age and it can be delivered through either a school, community or youth group setting. It can be integrated with existing awards and programmes that a candidate may hold or be working towards. Centres are encouraged to decide the most appropriate level to offer their young people however the YSLP Project Team at SSERC can support with this decision.

The formal levels offer SQA credit rated awards at SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6. These are typically accessed by young people in the senior phase of high school, senior members of youth/community groups or those who are in the early stage of college or apprenticeship programmes.

What time commitment is required?

Each level of the award in the formal version of YSLP (SCQF Level 4, 5 and 6) takes a suggested 30-40 hours to complete. Centres can deliver YSLP on a format and frequency of their choice.

Is the award externally accredited?

The levels in the formal version of YSLP are credit rated by SQA.

Case studies: Examples of YSLP in School and Community settings