Engineering news
Musician and philanthropist Will.i.am has launched a Prince’s Trust scheme that aims to engage disadvantaged young people with technology and science.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman, who has donated £500,000 to the charity, visited the Science Museum in London to launch the project.
Science Museum staff will visit Prince’s Trust xl clubs in schools across the country to deliver Launchbox workshops. The xl clubs aim to inspire disadvantaged 13- to 19-year-olds and engage them in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Will.i.am said: “Inspiring young people through science and technology is a powerful tool and I am proud to see my donation to the Prince’s Trust being put into action to help engage disadvantaged youth who would not otherwise have access to technology and science education.
“Through this new initiative, we will connect many more disadvantaged youngsters to the worlds of computing, and science and technology.”
The launch of the workshops coincides with a Prince’s Trust report which reveals a worrying lack of computer skills among the younger generation.
The research, conducted by Ipsos Mori, shows that a quarter of unemployed young people (24%) “dread” filling in online job applications and one in 10 admit they avoid using computers.
Martina Milburn, chief executive of the Prince’s Trust, said: “We work with the hardest-to-reach pupils, who may not have access to a computer at home and often don't have basic IT skills.
“We're also giving young people more access to IT to support them into work and helping more unemployed young people set up technology-related businesses. The donation from Will.i.am is transforming how we help young people in all these areas.”
oby Parkin, outreach and resources manager at the Science Museum, said: “We know the importance of making science exciting and accessible to everyone. Our initiative with the Prince’s Trust aims to encourage youngsters who may not have considered science and technology as a possible career path. The workshops will span the country across 2013 and see many more young people experimenting with technology and science.”