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.

 

One school in the West Midlands is using their Millennium Point Grant to give back to the community. Turves Green Boys School applied for a grant for their project called ‘helping the elderly’.

Their plan was ‘to assist in making the daily lives of the elderly better and easier’ while learning STEM in the process.

Aim of the project

There are a number of retirement homes in the school’s area. The project was for students to meet with residents to find out what they needed and what the students could make for them. This would include carrying out research and designing and making the items.

Turves Green Boys School started off on simple projects such as door stops and has since moved on to more complex items such as coffee tables and seating. But ultimately, they will make whatever the residents need.

The application had asked for £1,000 to buy materials for the project. The school already owns two laser cutting machines and will also involve CAD/CAM design to complete the project.

Year 7 & Year 8 students were chosen for the project with the aim that they will go on to pick Design and Technology in their options and continue their STEM education.

Outcome of the project

Students from the school visited Millennium Point recently. They produced and delivered a presentation to the Millennium Point Trust team, explaining the process and showcasing the finished products.

Students are now doing projects in STEM that will cover Maths, Technology & Engineering, while building the name and reputation of the school in the local area. The project has also benefited the residents of the community.

Apply for a Millennium Point Grant today and watch STEM happen

Originally set to close on Friday 2nd December 2022, the STEM Grants application is now officially extended to Friday 16th December 2022 to give everyone a chance to apply this year. Over the last 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 STEM 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.

You can apply here.

Originally set to close on Friday 2nd December 2022, the STEM Grants application is now officially extended to Friday 16th December 2022 to give everyone a chance to apply this year. Over the last 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 STEM 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.

You can apply here.

Building the future with STEM

Over the past five years, the Millennium Point Charitable Trust has awarded over £2 million to charities, not-for-profit community groups and schools to further STEM education. Millennium Point Charitable Trust has previously seen the rewarding outcome of past projects such as ‘Breaking the Barriers to STEM’ with a fantastic STEM garden. Ahead Partnership engaged students at their Digitech Festival with inspiring guest speeches and activities from STEM industries. Ark Tindall Primary transformed an outside space into a Science Area to enhance their STEM curriculum.

Discover more about past fantastic projects here.

Available to help you, every step of the way

We want everyone applying to have the best chances of success. That’s why our fantastic Trust Team have put together some useful information on our website. If you have any questions have a look at our frequently asked questions page, you can always contact our team with any other queries. You will also find out STEM Grant Application Guidance there too. The guidance intended to assist organisations in applying for funding from the Millennium Point Trust’s STEM grants programme.

Anyone applying can also look at our latest blog with tips on applying for the Millennium Point STEM Grants.

Discover more about Millennium Point Trust

Our multi-award-winning charitable trust invests more than £4.8m each year towards furthering STEM education within the West Midlands.

Over the years we have provided funding to Scholarships, Grants and projects that benefit the region. Find out more about our Trust in our brand new brochure here.

By booking with Millennium Point you’re helping support STEM growth

Everything Millennium Point Charitable Trust achieves is made possible by the commercial activity that takes place in our landmark building. It all feeds back into the Charitable Trust, enabling it to donate and invest in STEM-related organisations, projects, and initiatives.

When booking events with Millennium Point you are widening your CSR and supporting the local region. Find our how and more about our 11 unique event spaces here.

Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

STEM education has a much bigger impact on our everyday lives than you may realise. STEM isn’t just about teaching maths and science, it helps to develop a skill set that changes the way we think, act and feel. 

Providing STEM education helps to shape the world we live in, through the creation and development of new technologies that help improve and simplify our everyday lives.

Championing innovation 

It has often been pointed out that innovation and diversity have a strong correlation. Due to this, STEM education gives underrepresented groups the opportunity to access inspiring role models. According to STEMWomen, this makes underrepresented groups more likely to feel as though they belong to something.

Furthermore, The Royal Society published an article where it states that only 18.7% of academic staff in STEM are from ethnic minority groups, with only 1.7% being black. Improving STEM education to underrepresented groups will help increase diversity and encourage a more welcoming environment for these groups. This will also help to encourage future talent as they will see what people have achieved before them.

Providing opportunities in STEM for everyone will help to create a wider talent pool, helping to increase the chances of innovation.

STEM and its impact on the world

STEM students and professionals tend to be motivated about the impact their projects have on the world. STEM is also inclusive of people with disabilities and gives students and professionals the opportunity to be innovative and passionate about the work they produce. 

However, there is still an aim to increase the opportunities STEM gives to those with disabilities. For example AccessSTEM wants to increase the number of people with disabilities completing post secondary STEM degrees and entering the STEM workforce. AccessComputing has similar goals, but is narrowed down to just the computing industry.

Why is STEM education important?

STEM education is extremely important as it helps to shape the way we think and act. Providing STEM education also increases the ambitions of young people. For example, a report by STEM learning found that before ambassadors visited a school, 80% of students wanted to be YouTuber’s, Vets, Footballers or Gamers. However, after ambassadors showed the students bigger, global projects they found that students wanted to explore more opportunities within STEM. 

Furthermore, STEM are working on providing better education to help reduce the gender gap in STEM education. According to WISE, only 24% of the STEM workforce are female, meaning there is a large talent pool that is being overlooked. However, further investment in STEM education will help to close the gender gap. 

For example, Girls Who Code is a non-profit organisation that’s aiming to reduce the gender gap within technology globally. The course teaches girls computer science, bravery and sisterhood. Research shows that if they carry on the way they are, they should be able to close the gender gap by 2030.

This shows that STEM education is important as it teaches students new skills, while developing how they think, feel and act, as well as working on important issues such as closing the gender gap within STEM industries.

What skills can children learn from STEM

STEM subjects can be easily adapted to the age group, size group, ability and interests of the group you’re working with. A great thing about STEM subjects is that they’re very practical and some activities can appear like games for children, making them more enjoyable. 

Due to this, STEM education teaches skills such as:

Millennium Point’s impact on STEM Education

Millennium Point annually provides funding to not-for-profit organisations, schools and colleges across the West Midlands Combined Authority area. 

Millennium Point also offers STEM grant, where applicants can apply for up to £20,000 for their STEM related project, depending on whether they meet eligibility criteria, as well as being able to demonstrate a measurable impact in their STEM education or career choice.

STEM grant applications are now open. Click here to apply.

Furthermore, over the past five years the Millennium Point Charitable Trust has awarded charities, not-for-profit organisations, schools and community groups over £2,100,706 to further STEM education. 

Where does the money come from?

Profits from our commercial activity, goes straight into our charitable trust, allowing us to donate and invest in STEM related organisations, projects and initiatives.

To discover more about what Millennium Point has to offer, click here.

 

Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.

We’re excited to say applications for the next round of funding for projects is now open!

A project to build a fully operational light aircraft, STEM training toolkits for schools and a car engineering workshop for girls are just some of the exciting projects amongst the successful applicants in The Millennium Point Charitable Trust’s Small Grants Programme.

Grants up to £20,000 can be applied for here, you have until the 2nd December to apply, good luck!

Endless possibilities with STEM

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 ‘Breaking the Barriers to STEM’ with a fantastic STEM garden. Ahead Partnership engaged students at their Digitech Festival with inspiring guest speeches and activities from STEM industries. Ark Tindall Primary transformed an outside space into a Science Area to enhance their STEM curriculum.

Last year Millennium Point Trust saw 100 applications from schools and not-for-profit organisations all aiming to recieve a share of the grant money to better STEM education in the region.

Vanessa Currie, Head of People, Learning and Development at Millennium Point comments:

“We are pleased to announce the latest round of grant funding from the Millennium Point Charitable Trust.

The West Midlands is the largest hub for science and innovation outside of London, with the youngest population in Europe and one of the highest percentiles of STEM graduates in the UK.

With many schools being forced to cut costs and resources to deliver their curriculums, we risk seeing the skills gap widen as less children are engaged in STEM, which is why this initiative is crucial now, more than ever.”

Award-winning charity in the heart of Birmingham

All funding given by Millennium Point Charitable Trust is made possible by the commercial activity that takes place in the landmark Millennium Point building. It all feeds back into the charitable trust, enabling to be donated and invested in STEM-related organisations, projects, and initiatives.

When booking events with Millennium Point you are widening your CSR and supporting the local region. Find out how and more about our unique event spaces here.

Apply for a grant today and support the future of STEM 

At Millennium Point we believe that STEM is important for the future of the region, so we are excited to see what this year’s applications bring.

The next round of applications for the 2023 grant are now open and close at 5pm on 2nd December 2022.

Since its launch in 2018, Millennium Point Charitable Trust has provided almost £400k to more than 100 projects across education, STEM-focused charities, sporting charities, and museums.

You can apply for a grant on our website here, if you need any help look at our frequently asked questions page or speak to one of our friendly Trust team.

We’ve had another rewarding year for Millennium Point Charitable Trust’s STEM Grants Programme. Each year we grant organisations and educators in the local region funds for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) projects and better teaching materials. We received 100 applications this year with lots of creative and innovative STEM projects put forward to receive funding.

Meet the recipients

We would like to give a big congratulations to our latest recipients of a Millennium Point Charitable Trust STEM grant:

Helping education and communities across Birmingham and the wider region

As we wish to maximise the impact of our grants, we encourage grant applicants to apply for smaller grants of between £1,000 and £5,000. This will mean that we can potentially help more organisations. There will still be the opportunity for a few larger grants (of up to £20,000) to be given but in the main we will be concentrating on helping the wider community with smaller grants.

Along with the grants scheme there is also the Millennium Point Trust Scholarship which funds one young person’s undergraduate degree each year at Birmingham City University. You can find out more about our scholarships here.

Interested in receiving a grant for STEM projects? Get in touch

To find out more information get in contact with our team or on our website here.

When Millennium Point heard about LoveBrum’s volunteering opportunities, they were eager to get involved. Earlier this month a few members of the Millennium Point team joined Moor Pool Heritage Trust to help tend to the green spaces. Once overgrown, the space’s pathways are visible once more for all to enjoy.

Who are LoveBrum?

LoveBrum is a registered charity that supports hidden gem projects across Birmingham that are often volunteer led and that deliver real change, with outcomes that can be seen, measured, enjoyed, and loved.

They support the ‘hard-to-reach’ projects, those causes that do not receive the platform or funding that they probably deserve. LoveBrum aim to support over 30 projects per year, and to reach out to all corners of the city to remind people how great Birmingham is. Every penny raised from individual memberships and fundraising stays in Birmingham and goes straight to the chosen causes.

LoveBrum have funded almost 200 local, hard to reach causes, ran 11 successful fundraising events raising over £200,000 to fund Birmingham projects. Since beginning LoveBrum now have over 1,000 members who are passionate about Birmingham.

Who are Moor Pool Heritage Trust?

The Moor Pool Heritage Trust is a charity born out of the Moor Pool Residents Association in 2011, formed specifically to acquire the community facilities for the benefit of the local and wider community. Following this success, the Trust now strives to protect and preserve Moor Pool for the benefit of future generations, but also to ensure it raises awareness of its importance to the wider public.

We caught up with one volunteer, Vanessa, Head of PLD at Millennium Point to find out how the day went

As a charity we are keen to help and support other local charities and we were quick to respond when LoveBrum asked if anyone would like to volunteer to help Moor Pool Heritage Trust, based in Harborne who were looking for a team to help tend to their green spaces as they had become rather overgrown! This was a fantastic opportunity to give something back to our local community and do something to help Moor Pool residents and schools.

Volunteer

The day was amazing from start to finish – the team at Moor Pool looked after us like we were family, the sun was shining and after a quick tour around we were soon chopping down a massively overgrown orchard area used by local schools, weeding outside the community hall, and clearing pathways. The results were amazing and rewarding as the outcome of our work was quickly visible. We may have picked up a few stings from the very tall stinging nettles and scratches from brambles, but the team worked seamlessly together to get the work done. It was quickly apparent how easy the work seemed to be as we were truly working as a team.  The day is one that we would like to repeat, and I think each one of us took away a secret wish to move one day to Moor Pool estate to live. It is only a short distance from the city centre but is has a rich history and is a real hidden gem to visit.

Volunteer

Why did Millennium Point volunteer?

Millennium Point recently became a patron for LoveBrum who offered us the opportunity to volunteer. As a community driven organisation, we are eager to support activities that can benefit the city and the region. By teaming up, we can make a better future for all.

This isn’t the only way we try to help; we are a strong supporter of STEM education and provide funds for grants, projects, and scholarships. You can keep up to date with all our latest news on the Trust here.

Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

The event saw digital employers including Goldman Sachs, Avanti West Coast, Pinsent Masons and Intercity Technology meet with 165 young women from schools across the West Midlands, at an event designed to raise awareness of careers in digital and technology, and in turn help improve diversity and encourage social mobility in the sector.

Following the success of three previous #GirlTechWM events funded by Millennium Point Trust and delivered by Ahead Partnership, this year’s event took place at Millennium Point in Birmingham on 29 April and saw 12-14 year-olds from 11 secondary schools across the region meet face-to-face with female role models working at organisations that employ digital talent. For many students this was the first opportunity to meet employers in person since the start of the pandemic.

Throughout this exciting tech and digital careers experience day, the young women had the opportunity to hear inspiring guest speeches from professionals including Jennifer Wait from Goldman Sachs and Amy Elliot, placement coordinator at SUMO Digital. The students also got involved in interactive workshops where they were able to ask questions to professionals already succeeding in roles like Senior Business Analyst, Placement Programmer and Chief People Officer, and a large scale challenge hosted by Avanti West Coast.

After learning about the different roles available to them and the skills required to succeed, 95% of the female students that attended said that they understood what skills they need to get into digital following the event. Meanwhile, the number of young women interested in digital careers following the event was an impressive 87%.

Stephanie Burras CBE, chief executive of Ahead Partnership, said:

“Our #GirlTech events are extremely popular and effective, with volunteers from a diverse range of businesses and organisations keen to get involved, share their experiences and promote the opportunities available within the digital and tech sector to young women beyond school.

“Our recent West Midlands event at Millennium Point was a great success; the feedback that we have received shows that the students found it really informative and the wide range of organisations involved demonstrates the real breadth of opportunity available to those hoping to thrive in a digital career. We targeted the event at young women in years eight and nine to help them apply their learning from the day when making their GCSE subject choices, and the students reported that #GirlTechWM has really helped to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their own paths in this thriving sector.”

Abbie Vlahakis, Chief Executive of Millennium Point Trust, also commented:

“#GirlTechWM is a really important initiative; we’re proud to work with Ahead Partnership to bring so many employers and young women together for a day of careers learning and inspiration.

“The event is always a fantastic opportunity for young women to meet with and learn from inspiring female role models pursuing successful careers in digital and technology – but it’s also a really rewarding experience for the businesses involved, enabling volunteers to make a meaningful contribution while showcasing the opportunities available for young women looking to succeed in tech roles at their own organisations.”

Sponsored by Millennium Point Trust, #GirlTechWM was free for schools to attend. Businesses involved in the wide range of activities taking place throughout the day were Avanti West Coast; Pinsent Masons; Sumo Digital; Goldman Sachs; Intercity Technology; Spica; Lanchester Archive; Allianz; SES Engineering; BAM Construction; and InMoment.

Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

Following the success of three previous #GirlTechWM events Millennium Point Trust, this year Ahead Partnership are delivering the experience for female students in year 8 and 9 in person at Millennium Point on Friday 29th April 2022.

The day-long experience will see young people from across the West Midlands take part in interactive workshops, guest speeches and a hackathon, to meet and ask female role models in the tech industry their questions, as well as give them a hands-on experience of what working in this sector is all about. The even is free for schools to attend and businesses to get involved.

This year there will also be activities for young people (male and female) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) after the event on 29th April.

To find out more information on how you can get your school involved, find out more information here.

Who is Ahead Partnership?

For the last 15 years Ahead Partnership has been helping businesses of all sizes and sectors to deliver social value projects that overcome inequality, promote opportunity, and deliver positive change within society.

Ahead Partnership is a purpose-driven business that reinvests surpluses into its programmes. They believe that it takes the combined resources of business, public and community partners to build a successful and resilient society where everyone, regardless of their background, can flourish.

Why is #GirlTechWM important?

Having events like #GirlTechWM raise awareness of other careers that students might not have been aware of. Having proper representation and exposure makes a real difference and changes career aspirations.

Last #GirlTechWM events have showing excellent results in improving awareness. Ahead Partnership wrote how a past event encouraged a 155% increase. ‘Seeking to initiate real change, activity was targeted at Year 8 students and focused on reaching out to young people of typically underrepresented demographics in the sector before they make important decisions about their future pathways. Successfully raising awareness and promoting interest in technology careers, the event encouraged a 155% increase in the number of students that were now considering working in digital compared to before the event.’

How can your organisation get involved?

Your organisation can take part at no charge, and getting involved can help your organisation:

There are a range of ways in which volunteers can get involved, from being a guest speaker or panellist through to joining us to create and deliver interactive workshops.

Email [email protected] to discuss how your organisation can get involved.

Want to book with Millennium Point?

For further information about the event, charity or venue please get in contact with our team.

Applications are now open for the life changing scholarship. In partnership with Birmingham City University, each year Millennium Point Trust fund an undergraduate degree at BCU.

There are over 20 courses to choose from in industries for Built Environment, Computing, Digital Technology and Engineering. Applications are now open, and the deadline is 5pm Friday 11th March 2022, this is a two-stage application process where successful applications will be invited to an assessment day on Tuesday 10th May 2022.

Apply on our website today!

Courses in Built Environment

There are several courses to choose from within Built Environment, have a look through and see everything you can achieve with Built Environment!

What has Built Environment done for Birmingham?

Birmingham City University recently filed Built Environment academics, Nicki Schiessel Harvey and Dr Mohammad Mayouf discussing how urban planning and development decisions impact cities across the UK – using Birmingham as a case study.

Applying is easy and simple

The competition is open to applicants aged 17 and over within the West Midlands Combined Authority, who are looking to start a qualifying degree in September 2022.

Read the application from 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.

It’s a two-stage application, with the final stage being an assessment day. If you make it to the final, you will be invited to participate in developmental workshops that will focus on supporting our personal development and professionalism in both interview and presentation skills.

Need help with anything?

We want everyone to have the best chance of success when applying for our Scholarship scheme, and sometimes bigging yourself up can be a little daunting. That’s why we have created a helpful guide to aid you through your application. Keep an eye out on our social media for any new blogs, videos, or resources that can help further.

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

Want to start your career in Built Environment, apply for our Scholarship today!

Applications are now open with the deadline on Friday 11th March 2022, apply now and see what you can achieve!

Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.