Dragons’ brilliant community team have been rewarded once again, winning the STEM Educational Programme of the Year (private sector) at the Wales Stem Awards.
The Awards are designed to shine a spotlight on those making a difference within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) in Wales.
Dragons’ Community Team were one of six STEM Educational programmes shortlisted in a highly competitive category.
Judges were looking for evidence of an initiative which either addresses the stem diversity gap, the skills shortage or seeks to inspire and raise the aspirations of the next generation.
Our STEM Educational Programme saw Dragons team up with Vishay Newport, a semiconductor manufacturing facility which partners with the Senedd and UK Government, alongside working closely with the local community.
The goal was to inspire children at schools within the Gwent area, learning about how Vishay’s semiconductors are used within everyday life, whilst also challenging them with problem solving and team building exercises, skills that are easily transferable on the rugby field.
All this while having fun and hopefully creating lasting memories that might inspire future careers within the STEM sector.
In just 12 months, the team has:
- Engaged with 700 pupils aged 9–11
- Partnered with 18 schools
- Delivered 26 bilingual workshops (English & Welsh)
- Hosted our first STEM Fair, welcoming 100 pupils to Rodney Parade
- Launched four new themed workshops to further inspire our schools
- Introduced STEM education into our rugby skills camps
Dragons’ Community Education & STEM Officer Angharad Kibble said: "We were shocked and deeply honoured to win the STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector) award, something we never imagined achieving in our very first year of delivery.
“This recognition is a huge milestone for our team and fuels our excitement for what’s ahead, including new themed workshops, upcoming STEM Festivals, and lots more in the works.
“We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to Vishay Newport Limited for their incredible support and partnership.
“Together, we look forward to continuing to expand STEM opportunities and inspire the next generation of Welsh innovators."
This recognition is a huge milestone for our team and fuels our excitement for what’s ahead, including new themed workshops, upcoming STEM Festivals, and lots more in the works.
