SSERC (Scottish Schools Education Research Centre) Young STEM Leader Award (non-formal levels)

Why this award?

The Young STEM Leader Programme 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.

What time commitment is required?

Each level of the award in the non-formal version of the YSLP (CfE Second, Third and Fourth Level - age from P5 to S6) takes a suggested 20-30 hours to complete. Centres can deliver the non-formal YSLP on a format and frequency of their choice.

Is the award externally accredited?

Each element – Discover, Create, Inspire and Lead – in the non-formal version of the programme carries a digital badge and signifies its own unique area of the programme. Completing all four elements and gaining the associated badges at one level of the programme earns the full Young STEM Leader Award. This is the final, overarching award for the programme at that level and they will receive a certificate to recognise this.

Case studies: Examples of YSLP in School and Community settings