STEM Ambassadors

Historically universities have been sites for a range of mentoring activities that aim to support their student bodies. During the early 21st century, such schemes have been expanded and university students acting as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) ambassadors are widely used by universities to promote progression into and through undergraduate courses and as part of recruitment strategies in STEM subject areas. Across many developed countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, there have been long-standing concerns about future shortages of STEM skills within the workforce—skills which are seen as vital to economic growth and for countries to compete globally. This entry provides an overview of STEM ambassadors in the United Kingdom and the United States, and then explores their organisation and ...