Secondary school rocket and space careers programme launches
Secondary school classes and Further Education colleges are invited to take part in Rockets for All, a programme bringing the excitement of space careers and rockets to over 3000 young people across the UK.
A partnership between social impact agency Big Ideas, Imperial Space Lab and the UK Space Agency, the programme will introduce young people aged 14-18 to career opportunities in the rapidly growing UK space industry.
Rockets for All includes:
- Digital event series running daily between 20th to 24th January 2025 where young people will meet expert role models working across the UK space sector.
- Support for young people to run their own rocket competitions in their schools using water propulsion rocket kits.
- Digital celebration event with Imperial Ambassador and the first British astronaut Helen Sharman CMG OBE, Wednesday 17th March, 2pm.
- In-person prize experience for two winning schools delivered by Imperial Space Lab experts.
CEO and founder of Big Ideas Dr Virginia Crompton says: “This programme will show young people that Space is accessible for all. Space careers go beyond being an astronaut and we are excited to be able to introduce people working in a wider range of exciting roles from space engineering and solar physics to alien biology. At Big Ideas, we specialise in bringing opportunities to young people who will benefit most. We want all young people to be able to see themselves working in the UK space industry in the future.”
Dr Simon Foster, Engagement Lead, Imperial Space Lab says: “Rockets for All is a great opportunity for us to connect young people with some of the amazing experts working in the rapidly changing space industry here in the UK. We are lucky here at Imperial Space Lab that we have experts combining research in physical sciences with engineering and medicine and who share our passion for educating young people on the opportunities available to them through a career in space. We look forward to inspiring the next generation of space professionals.”
Matt Archer, Director of Launch, ISAM and Space Sustainability at the UK Space Agency, said: “Projects like Rockets for All are inspiring a whole new generation to find their place in space. We want to help schools introduce more young people to the range of jobs available in this growing industry – from building rockets to launch from Scotland and searching for signs of life on Mars, to developing new business ideas and managing projects and people. Together with our partners Big Ideas and Imperial Space Lab, we’re looking forward to seeing thousands of kids getting involved, and I hope that many of them will consider a future career in the space sector.”
Teachers in secondary and further education schools and colleges across the UK can book their class’ free place at one more 50-minute digital events here. Or email STEM@big-ideas.org for more information.