Our Story
We’ve come a long way since Youth STEM 2030 was founded, and since then there’s been countless people who have been part of our story. We’re also privileged to have been part of over 2,500 young people’s stories as STEM changemakers.
Here’s how it all started, in the words of our Founder, Mhairi…
Growing up, I didn’t realise that I could make a difference - I used to think you had to wait until you finished school and got a job. But, that all changed for me when I was 17 and I had the opportunity to do my own scientific research project, investigating the impact of pesticides on marine invertebrates.
It was my first exposure to scientific research, and while it gave me new scientific skills and some amazing experiences, its true impact comes down to one word: possibility. It fundamentally changed what I thought was possible as a young person.
It gave me the confidence to start making change and, over time, STEM became about more than equations or processes in a textbook - it became about helping people and our planet. Along the way, I realised that the STEM solutions to our biggest challenges can come from anyone, anywhere - including me, and you.
The more youth using STEM to solve real-world problems I encountered, the more resolute I became in my belief that there’s no age limit on STEM research and innovation. Yet, the structures within our society mean many young people do not yet realise their possibility, and youth’s potential as STEM changemakers remains untapped and under-resourced.
That’s why I’m so passionate about empowering youth as STEM changemakers and created Youth STEM 2030 - I want to create that same possibility for other young people, because I've experienced first-hand that when you give someone possibility, that's when they go and change the world.