New flagship Science Oxford Scholarship Programme opens doors to STEM careers for local young people
Thursday 5th November 2026
Twenty young people from local state schools will gain first-hand experience of STEM careers through the new Science Oxford Scholarship Programme, launched by The Oxford Trust on Wednesday 4th November.
This bespoke initiative has been designed to support talented A-level (or equivalent) students from local state schools and colleges as they prepare for higher education and future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The official launch at the Wood Centre for Innovation brought together the first cohort of students, their parents, STEM partners and supporters.
Delivered by Science Oxford and funded and supported through by The Oxford Trust, Meads Trust, Oxford Instruments and local STEM partners, the programme will provide 20 high-potential students with unique opportunities to explore the region’s world-leading STEM ecosystem, build professional networks and develop the skills needed to actively pursue STEM careers.
Connecting young people
The programme has been created in response to a growing challenge facing both young people and employers. Oxfordshire is home to one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, yet many students from state schools and under-served communities face barriers to accessing STEM opportunities, networks and career experiences. At the same time, STEM employers continue to report skills shortages and difficulties recruiting talent into key roles.
The free-to-access Science Oxford Scholarship Programme aims to bridge this gap by connecting young people directly with the organisations and professionals shaping the region’s future.
Over the two years, scholars will gain access to STEM professionals, research organisations and leading employers across sectors including climate, digital technology, engineering and global health. Alongside STEM enrichment opportunities, students will develop essential leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that are increasingly sought after by universities and employers.
Ronnie Guthrie, The Oxford Trust’s STEM Careers Lead said,
This programme gives students the chance to go behind the scenes of some of Oxfordshire's innovative STEM organisations and businesses and gain experiences that are often out of reach through traditional education pathways. As they begin to think about their next steps, students will be able to explore a wide range of career opportunities, meet inspiring role models and develop the skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions. By reducing barriers to access, we're helping ensure that more young people can see a future for themselves in STEM.
Creating access to high-quality experiences
By the end of the programme, Science Oxford scholars will have gained high-quality experiences to strengthen future applications for study, built professional networks, increased their confidence and aspirations, and developed a deeper understanding of the opportunities available within STEM careers in the region.
The Oxford Trust’s Director of Science Education and Engagement Francesca MacLennan said,
Science Oxford’s Scholarship Programme has been designed to inspire, empower and equip the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. By removing financial barriers and providing meaningful connections with Oxfordshire's STEM community, we are helping young people turn their ambitions into achievable career goals. We want every talented student, regardless of background, to have the opportunity to explore where STEM could take them.
The programme builds on Science Oxford’s expanded STEM Careers Programme for secondary students, which is built on the belief that young people make better-informed and more ambitious choices when they meet positive role models behind the science.
Get involved
We would be pleased to hear from other funders and corporate partners who would like to support the Science Oxford Scholarship Programme. There are many ways to get involved from sharing STEM expertise and welcoming young people into your STEM workplace to funding a scholar or sponsoring the wider programme.
