Young STEM Leader

Level 5/6

This course is optional

Why choose the Young STEM Leader course?

This leadership programme allows young people in Scotland the chance to inspire, lead and mentor their peers through the creation and delivery of STEM activities, events and interactions within their schools, communities, or youth groups.

The programme aims to inspire more young people to develop an interest in STEM and pursue the study of STEM subjects and relevant future pathways. The Young STEM Leader Programme is designed to stimulate and strengthen the development of peer mentoring and inspiration in STEM for young people by young people.

As well as allowing Young STEM Leaders (YSLs) to develop important leadership, communication, and employability skills, working towards a YSLP Award will also motivate you to progress your STEM studies and 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 Scottish Government-funded YSLP is led by SSERC in partnership with the four Scottish Science Centres, three Scottish STEM Ambassador Hubs, Science Festivals, Young Scot, YouthLink Scotland, Science Skills Academy, Education Scotland and the Scottish Mentoring Network.

What do I need to progress into this course?

No prior qualifications required for entry.

What will you study in this course?

This will be a “formal” Level 4 or 5 or 6 course. This means you will get a recognised qualification at the end of it at the appropriate Level for you or even at multiple levels.

Young STEM Leader Awards at SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 (YSL4, YSL5 and YSL6) are formal qualifications, credit rated by SQA, that enable young people to support, engage and inspire others in STEM in their schools, communities or youth groups. On completion of these awards, YSLs will be able to plan, lead and evaluate STEM activities, events and interactions.

Assessment in this course

Evidence of your YSL journey is added to a Log.

This is a simple way to collate the evidence which leads to the full YSLP Award for the relevant level.

Entries should be made after any work is completed on the programme. High-frequency entries which fulfil the required standards will allow a YSLP Award to be gained with relative ease. It is acceptable that alternative methods of evidence entry, such as voice recordings, videos and photographs, are used.

YSLs are also encouraged to enter additional STEM experiences in their Log, for example, attending their local science centre or taking part in a STEM talk or challenge. This will add value to the Log, especially if they can evidence that they have reflected on, shared and promoted their experience to others in an inspiring way.

The Log is accessed and completed digitally.

Additional Information

You may be asked to take part in the YSL programme out with formal class time. This is homework.

Further information on YSL: www.youngstemleader.scot/

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