Millennium Point Trust is more than just a name; it actively has an impact on Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a charity committed to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Trust channels revenue generated by Millennium Point into local initiatives, projects, and partnerships. Here’s how Millennium Point Trust makes an impact:

1. Funding STEM education for the future

At the heart of our Trust’s mission is a commitment to supporting STEM education. Each year, the Trust awards grants to schools, colleges, and organisations to fund innovative STEM projects. From robotics kits to science workshops, these grants provide young people with hands-on experiences that ignite a passion for learning and inspire future careers.

 

2. Empowering underrepresented groups

The Trust works to ensure STEM is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. By funding initiatives that target underrepresented groups, the Trust helps to break down barriers and create opportunities for all. This focus on inclusivity boosts the STEM landscape and ensures no talent is left ignored.

3. Supporting local organisations

Collaboration is vital for creating meaningful change, and Millennium Point Trust is proud to work with local charities, schools, and community groups. These partnerships enable the delivery of projects that make an impact, from after-school STEM clubs to community events that engage families in science and technology.

4. Encouraging innovation in education

Education doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. The Trust funds creative projects that make STEM subjects exciting and relevant. Whether it’s building solar-powered models or exploring the principles of coding through gaming, these initiatives help students connect STEM to real-world applications.

5. A venue with a purpose

When you book an event at Millennium Point, you’re contributing directly to the Trust’s work. Revenue generated by venue hire is reinvested into the community, funding projects that make a real difference. By choosing Millennium Point, businesses and individuals play a part in creating a brighter future for Birmingham.

6. Inspiring the next generation

Through its work, the Trust inspires young people to see the potential of STEM. By providing access to resources, experiences, and mentorship, the Trust helps young minds imagine themselves as the engineers, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow.

7. Driving regional growth

Investing in STEM isn’t just about education; it’s about supporting the economic and social development of the West Midlands. By giving young people the skills needed for high-demand jobs, the Trust plays a role in shaping the region’s workforce and driving its growth as a hub for innovation.

Millennium Point Trust has already made a significant difference, awarding over £40 million in funding since its inception. Its projects have reached thousands of young people, sparking curiosity and ambition across Birmingham and beyond. The Trust’s ongoing commitment ensures that this impact will continue to grow in the years to come.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are the backbone of innovation. From the devices we use daily to breakthroughs that positively impact global challenges, STEM touches every aspect of our lives.

At Millennium Point, we’re passionate about fostering STEM education and ensuring it’s a priority for young minds. Here’s why we think STEM education is vital, and how it shapes the future.

1. Preparing for in-demand careers

The job market is evolving fast, with many growing roles requiring STEM skills. Technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are all booming, for example, creating countless opportunities for those with the right expertise. Equipping students with STEM knowledge now means they’ll be ready to fill the big roles of the future.

2. Problem-solving and critical thinking

STEM subjects go beyond theories and equations — they teach valuable life skills. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and creativity are at the root of STEM education. Such skills help students tackle challenges not only in their studies but also in everyday life and future workplaces.

3. Innovation and progress

STEM is at the forefront of innovation. Advances in medicine, space exploration, and sustainable technologies are all thanks to STEM professionals. By investing in STEM education, we can inspire the next generation of pioneers who push the boundaries of what’s possible.

4. Diversity in STEM fields

Historically, STEM fields have lacked diversity, with women and underrepresented groups facing barriers to entry. STEM education provides an opportunity to level the playing field by encouraging inclusivity from an early age. Initiatives like those supported by Millennium Point aim to make STEM accessible to all, ensuring a richer, more diverse talent pool for the future.

5. Addressing global challenges

From climate change to public health crises, many of today’s biggest challenges require STEM solutions. Education in these areas empowers young people to contribute to meaningful work, whether that’s developing renewable energy sources or leading on medical research.

6. Love for learning

STEM subjects ignite curiosity. Hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world applications make learning engaging and exciting. By encouraging a love for discovery, STEM education keeps students motivated and encourages lifelong learning.

7. Supporting economic growth

A strong STEM workforce is crucial for economic development. Countries with thriving STEM industries enjoy greater innovation, competitiveness, and productivity. Investing in STEM education is not just about individual success — it’s about securing a better future for society as a whole.

Millennium Point’s role in STEM education

Millennium Point is dedicated to supporting STEM education through funding, partnerships, and public engagement. From hosting interactive STEM events to providing grants for schools and local projects, we’re committed to inspiring the next generation. Every booking at Millennium Point contributes to this mission, enabling us to champion STEM initiatives across Birmingham and beyond.

This year’s scholarship applications are now open for applicants to embark on a new educational journey into the world of STEM. In partnership with Birmingham City University (BCU), each year Millennium Point Trust fund an undergraduate degree at the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment facility.

Our scholarship programme has over 20 courses to choose from. Applications are now open, with a deadline of Friday 7th March 2025 at 5pm, allowing you plenty of time to complete your application.

Meet Patrick, last year’s Scholarship winner

Patrick is the tenth local student to benefit from the Scholarship scheme, which is run in partnership with the university. He wowed judges with his vision for creating affordable housing for all, and now is closer to making his ideas a reality as he will go on to study Real Estate at BCU.

Patrick commented: “I am over the moon to have won the Millennium Point Scholarship! I am really excited about starting my degree in Real Estate, and hopefully using it to help other young people whose housing ambitions have been impacted by the current financial crisis.”

Applying is easy and simple

The competition is open to you if you are 18 by, and looking to start an undergraduate degree in September 2025 and live within the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Read the application form carefully and start to answer each question. Think about why you want to study your chosen degree and what you want to do in the future. Also discuss any personal attributes and skills that could help you be the next winner of the Scholarship.

The application has two-stages, with the final stage being an assessment day in May. Finalists will be invited to participate in developmental workshops that will focus on supporting our personal development and professionalism in both interview and presentation skills.

We are here to help you every step of the way

We want everyone to have the best chance of success when applying for our scholarship scheme, so it is important to be confident when writing your application. That’s why we have created a helpful guide to aid throughout your application. Keep an eye out on our social media channels as well as our website for blogs, videos for additional resources to further assist you.

You can always contact our friendly Trust team for any other enquires you may have.

Apply today for a life-changing opportunity

Our applications are now open with the deadline on Friday 7th March 2025 at 5pm, so apply now and start your journey into the world of STEM.

Millennium Point has unveiled its latest programme to empower young people in the West Midlands. We are searching for schools, colleges and not-for-profit organisations looking to make their STEM-related dreams a reality. Until 6 December 2024, interested groups can apply for a Millennium Point Trust Grant for their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics projects.

The Millennium Point Trust Grants Programme is designed to enhance education and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. With grants ranging from £1,000 to £20,000, the programme aims to support projects that have a substantial impact on STEM education and career choices. Applicants are encouraged to showcase innovative ideas that will spark curiosity, creativity, and passion for STEM fields among young learners.

The Millennium Point Charitable Trust has already awarded £3.7 million to over 160 groups in the region. The funds for these grants are generated through the commercial activities of the Millennium Point building, a landmark located on Curzon Street in Birmingham City Centre. Previously funded projects have included STEM labs, planetariums and even the building of a full-sized light aircraft.

Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, said: “Our grants programme is more than just financial support; it’s about empowering young people to make a positive change. We want to help the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators to help shape our world for the better.”

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a Millennium Point Trust Grant, you can find our more about applying here.

Innovation, creativity and confidence was on the syllabus this summer as Millennium Point and Severn Trent kicked off a free unique summer bootcamp for kids in Birmingham.

Groups of 11- to 14-year-olds have been meeting for the first time, and gaining valuable life skills through innovation and collaboration, in workshops led by Digital Innovators and supported by Precision Health Technologies Accelerator.

The three-day sessions across four weeks are designed to boost confidence, build resilience, and spark creativity with the goal to help young people positively build skills and confidence. The aim is to support them with continuing with education and finding employment in the future.

Amazing creations such as the ‘Floodbuster’, ‘Hydrosave’ and ‘ECO’ were created by the young innovators as the groups were set challenges to topics such as stopping blockages, water saving and flooding.

Jacob 12, one of the learners said, “This has brought out the creative side in me, I never thought I could create the things that I have.” Maryam 13, added “it’s been fun meeting new people and building my confidence.”

The groups who had met for the first time, showcased their creations to Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said of the event:  “Empowering the next generation of Brummie innovators is at the heart of our mission this summer. We’re thrilled to offer young people a unique opportunity to boost their creativity, confidence, and resilience. The innovative solutions these young minds have developed are a testament to their potential to solve real-world problems. By investing in their skills today, we’re helping to shape a brighter future everyone.”

Elizabeth Heath, Societal Impact Lead at Severn Trent:  “The bootcamps are a truly engaging, and great way for young people to come together for the first time and build life skills, while having fun and being creative. We know engaging at an early age helps set young people up for life, so this bootcamp really has the opportunity to change a young person’s future and give them access to skills to stay with them for life.

Mick Westman, Founder and CEO at Digital Innovators said: “The bootcamps create a unique environment where young people of mixed ages, backgrounds and abilities come together to solve complex real-world problems. We encourage creatively collaboration and active communication. Our approach of ‘Learning by doing’ involves fun activities followed by personal reflection’s which results in each student building a map of their unique skills. Skills that build confidence and resilience and which helps them stand out from the crowd. I’m in awe of the fantastic ideas these young people create to the challenges they are set during the event.”

Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point: “We are thrilled to have supported so many young people with free Bootcamp places this summer. It has been wonderful to hear their innovative solutions to the real-life problems we have presented them with. Empowering the next generation to be the problem solvers of the future is our aim at Millennium Point.  Alongside Severn Trent and Digital Innovators, we have been able to give these young people an exciting taste of how they could change the world with their chosen career.”

Severn Trent has been working in East Birmingham since 2022, supporting communities with free employability skills and training. Over the last year, it made significant efforts to boost training, employability, and upskilling of people within local schools, by offering free employability training, confidence building and mock interview sessions – all aimed to help break barriers and shape a young person’s future.

Digital Innovators specialise in developing a growth mindset and releasing the potential of students with a variety of needs giving young people between the ages of 14 and 24 access to employment skills and fulfilling career opportunities by collaborating with education providers, businesses and community organisations across the West Midlands.

Millennium Point co-funded the bootcamp with Severn Trent and provided the space for free, to allow for access for people to visit the bootcamp. Opened in 2001, Millennium Point is the largest landmark millennium project in England, outside of London, and is home to unique event spaces. All of the commercial activity that takes place in Millennium Point feeds back into the Millennium Point Charitable Trust to support STEM education in the West Midlands and inspire the next generation who will shape technology, industry, and the world of tomorrow.

Delegates from across the UK headed to Millennium Point last week for the PA Forum Learning & Development Conference 2024. The multi-award-winning events venue hosted 280 business representatives for a full day of inspirational talks and sessions on 5 June.

The PA Forum curated an incredible line-up of business talent to share insights and inspire guests to transform their work in the latter half of the year. Professor Corinne Hoisington delighted delegates with an insight in harnessing the power of AI. There were tips on public speaking from inspirational speaker Nick Elston, and GuruYou founder Rebecca Mander gave valuable career coaching.

With its easily accessible location, large choice of flexible event spaces and breath-taking Auditorium, Millennium Point was the perfect setting for the conference. Guest speakers were able to make a big impression utilising the Auditorium’s giant screen – famed for being Birmingham’s biggest screen. The space also offered perfect sight lines from its 354 tiered seats alongside stunning 4k projection.

The PA Forum was able to take advantage of Millennium Point’s incredible choice of breakout spaces. Delegates enjoyed workshops surrounded by Station’s beautiful natural daylight and the Curzon Suite’s stunning views. The Express and Connect spaces offered multiple breakout spaces alongside touch-screen coffee machines offering delicious Italian-style beverages. The venue’s striking Atrium provided a stunning backdrop for speed networking. Delegates were also able to sample Millennium Point’s fantastic menu with delicious dishes being served including charcoal grilled butterfly chicken breast, Mediterranean pasta with a lemon basil dressing, and a chocolate truffle torte.

The conference also utilised Millennium Point’s unparalleled AV support with multiple cameras across the conference capturing a recording for future reference, alongside live streaming for those who couldn’t make the event in person. With in-house AV support staff, conference organisers could relax to concentrate on their event without any added technical issues.

Victoria Webb, Millennium Point Sales Manager, enjoyed hosting the event stating: “It was a pleasure to work with Daniel Skermer of the PA Forum and to helping him to realise his fantastic vision for the Learning & Development Conference 2024.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our charity’s brand-new brochure. Inside you will find information about our landmark £40 million in STEM donations and activities, and how this has benefited the West Midlands.

Be the first to read by clicking below –

Starting off with a note from our CEO, Abbie Vlahakis

‘The Millennium Point Charitable Trust prides itself on offering fantastic STEM-related initiatives, awarding more than £40 million to charities, schools, and community groups to champion science, technology, engineering, and maths projects across the West Midlands region.

Our STEM Grants scheme forms a core part of our strategy to end STEM poverty and enhance education.

In addition to this our annual Scholarship funds an undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University’.

A biplane, STEM gardens, adventures through the stars and MORE!

On average, we provide £411.3k in grants each year. To date we have provided £3.7 million in funding via grants, to over 160 groups in the region.

You can find out more information about our previous grant recipients here.

Celebrating 10 years of Scholarship success

Annually, we provide funding for a Scholarship for an undergraduate degree, in partnership with Birmingham City University. The Scholarship programme is aimed at students who are looking to start a career in the Built Environment, Computing, Digital Technology or Engineering industries.

Find out more about our previous Scholarship winners here.

Community minded, working together for the future of the West Midlands

Being an award-winning venue in the middle of Birmingham has allowed us to support the community and other charities in additional ways, including using our own building to host their events.

From STEM festivals to the STEM Roundtable, you’ll find it all in our brochure.

Support Millennium Point today!

Our mission is simple, to advance education for the public benefit. We invest more than £4.8 million each year towards furthering STEM education in the West Midlands. We’ve already funded over 100 grants projects and inspired over 3,000 people with our activities.

Learn how you can support Millennium Point on our website.

 

In light of our recent scholarship launch, we understand that finding the motivation to apply can be challenging. However, let these stories of these talented professionals serve as inspiration for you to embark into the world of STEM and push yourself to achieve new heights.

Annie Easley – The Human Computer

At the time, Easley was looking for a job after relocating when she discovered an article about two sisters who were “human computers” at the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio. Two weeks later, after the reading the article, Easley began her career that spanned across 34 years, contributing to numerous programs as a computer scientist.

Easley’s career involved analysing problems and solving complexed mathematical calculations by hand, awarding her with the title of human computer. Easley would go on to break barriers for women and people of colour, inspiring them to pursue STEM opportunities.

Gitanjali Rao – American’s Top Youngest Scientist 2017

Inspired by the Flint Michigan water crisis, Rao invented a life-changing device that can detect lead in water at the age of 11. Rao’s dedication to her work earned her a place in the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30. In recent years, Rao has been taking part in the research of cell biology at the University of Colorado, using the latest genetic engineering to find a solution to prescription opioid addiction epidemic.

Rao is an active STEM ambassador, inspiring young people by promoting STEM-based activities in schools and the community. Rao continues to affect students globally by sharing her knowledge, tools, and encouragement.

Morris Mbetsa – Africa’s First Flying Taxi

Morris, a self-taught engineer, created an innovative solution to Africa’s traffic and poor road infrastructure issues. At the age of 28, Morris manufactured Africa’s first flying taxi. This drone transports passengers for around 25 minutes, and at speeds of up to 120km an hour. The young entrepreneur uses his talents to generate easy-to-use, inexpensive technological solutions that are accessible to his community.

At the young age of 6, Morris discovered his passion for technology, as he has stated on The Kenyan network K24, “Technology is my life. I never watched football while growing up. My room was full of electronics and wires.”

Ronjon Nag – Smartphone Pioneer

Shortly after becoming a newly graduate, Nag invented breakthrough technology for smart devices such as handwriting recognition, predictive text, application of speech recognition and touch screens for mobile devices. He later went on to become the founder of R42 institute, a US and UK-based company that invents and invests in AI and Biotech.

Nag has gone to work with big names such as Apple, BlackBerry, and Motorola after becoming a technological pioneer. As well as becoming a ground-breaking entrepreneur, Nag was also a professor in Genetics at the Stanford School of Medicine, committed to providing inclusive and accessible education.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Beyond the Stars

Whilst studying at the University of Glasgow, Burnell discovered pulsars, the cosmic sources of peculiar radio pulses. After graduating, she frequently worked in gamma ray, X-ray, infrared and millimetre wavelength astronomy. In 2015, Burnell was awarded a Royal Medal by the Royal Society and became the first female President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

After winning a breakthrough prize, Burnell donated all the proceedings to the institute of Physics to set up scholarships for graduates and those in under-represented communities to have access to study physics.

Are you Interested in a Career in STEM?

We hope these stories have truly inspired you and encourage you to achieve greatness. If you have any questions about our Scholarship scheme, you can contact our friendly Trust team.

Applications for our charitable Trust STEM Grants programme are now open!

Our grants are available from £1,000 to £20,000 to individual applicants to support science, technology, engineering & maths (STEM) education in Birmingham and the wider region. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 8th December 2023, meaning you have got just under a month to apply. You can apply here.

We want everyone to have the best chance of success. That’s why we have put some useful tips below.

A good plan is half the work done

To get started, complete the form that can be easily downloaded from our website. Have a read through all the sections and start to complete them in as much detail as you can as this will help us when our team begin to shortlist applications.

Clearly plan what the aims of the project and how those aims will be achieved. Don’t forget to include details on how the success of the project will be measured. This is where using ‘SMART’ objectives will be useful.

Make sure your application is detailed with what activities will take place, when, and where they will be carries out will also help chances of being successful. Have a look through your budget plan and ensure it contained the correct pricing and quantities for everything you need to achieve your project.

When talking about your project look at the link between the project and the selected category choice. Make sure the connection is clear to show why you’re doing the project and how it will benefit your chosen group. Also plan about the duration of the project, will it be throughout the year, or could the project be done in a day? Can the project be repeated with the resources bought, or is it a one-off project?

For extra help the guidance and FAQ pages will help you with your application, you can always contact our friendly Trust team too [email protected].

Submitting your application or grants

Have a read through your final application, ensure that it’s clear, precise and explains all about the exciting project you have planned.

After you have decided you’re happy with your application, submit it to us by email – [email protected]. Make sure you send it in before the 5pm on 8th December 2023.

What happens next?

Once it’s sent over, out fantastic Trust team will send you an email acknowledging receipt, you won’t hear from us again until a decision has been made. All applications will be read through by the Grants team and then moderated by a separate panel. It will finally be presented to our Trustees who will make the final decision on the successful applicants. At this stage you don’t have to do anything but wait for the good news!

Our grants help make STEM happen!

Over the past five years, the Millennium Point Charitable Trust has awarded over £2 million to charities, not-for-profits, community groups and schools to further STEM education. Millennium Point Charitable Trust has previously seen the rewarding outcome of past projects such as designing the perfect community at Lyng Primary School and Sandwell College going 3D.

Last year Millennium Point Trust saw 100 applications from not-for-profit organisations in aim of receiving a share of the grant money.

 

Scholarships are a great way to offer people the opportunity to study a university degree that may not have the financial needs to do so. Unfortunately, nearly ¼ of students in the UK can’t afford to go to university, making scholarships an excellent way to get people into further education and advance their careers. 

So how are we at Millennium Point supporting students in the West Midlands with our STEM Scholarship funding? 

What is a Scholarship?

A scholarship is a form of financial aid provided by independent third parties or universities to support students through their education.

What does our STEM Scholarship involve?

At Millennium Point our STEM Scholarship gives one student a year the opportunity to study a STEM degree at Birmingham City University, with students being able to study courses relating to:

We have over 20 courses you can choose from that you can explore on our scholarships page.

To be successful within your application, you’ll need to undergo two stages.These are your initial application and an assessment day.

If you make it to the final, you’ll be invited to get involved in developmental workshops that will support your personal development and professionalism within interviews and presentation skills. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for our STEM Scholarship you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

How to apply 

The online application form will be accessible in January 2024 and will include questions about who you are and why you think you should win a free degree at Birmingham City University. 

You can sign up for notifications at the bottom of the page or check back in January to see when the form goes live.   

Meet our latest Scholarship winner, Safa

Our latest winner Safa Bibi from Small Heath has started studying computer science at Birmingham City University as of September 2024. Safa became interested in the computing industry while at Secondary school and further developed it through watching speeches made by women in STEM. 

As a result of our scholarship, Safa is able to further pursue her passion for computing and she hopes to be an inspiration for others and encourage them to follow their passion regardless of their religion or race.   

Millennium Point’s 2024 Scholarship application is now open. For more information on how to apply or get involved in the Scholarship program please visit www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/scholarship.