IET and IMechE merge educational grant schemes
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) have merged their educational grant schemes in order to simplify funding for formal and informal learning support and to improve the impact of projects.
The newly created Engineering Education Grant Scheme (EEGS) has been designed to make funding applications to the institutions more streamlined and consistent, promote partnership working and strengthen how successful interventions are measured.
This move is the latest in a series of collaborations the IET is involved in, as it also works closely with organisations including Tomorrow’s Engineers, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institute of Physics (IoP) to support engineering-focused education initiatives.
Gareth James, IET Head of Education said:
“There is a serious skills shortage in engineering, therefore it’s more important than ever for us to engage with young people and show them how exciting a career in engineering can be.
“By simplifying the funding process we’re making it easier for teachers to get the appropriate support they need to educate and enthuse children about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. By providing them with the necessary funds and tools we’re able to help inspire the next generation of engineers.”
The EEGS will operate two funding rounds per year, offering awards of up to £5,000 for standard applications. Up to four awards of £15,000 each year are available for projects that can demonstrate wider reach, for example national projects or those set to have a strategic or long-reaching effect.
The scheme is currently accepting bids for funding until 3 March 2015 for projects taking place between 1 May 2015 and 30 April 2016. Eligible projects must help to engage UK-based young people aged 5-19 in learning about engineering or develop the professional skills of those involved in supporting STEM learning and careers awareness. The EEGS also supports projects that improve wider engineering literacy.
For more information and an application pack, please visit www.theiet.org/fund.
