SERC, through funding from The James Kane Foundation have been running CSI Forensics Workshops, helping open pathways into STEM for those who need it most. Over 400 participants have taken part so far, including:
• Adults returning to education after long-term unemployment
• Individuals currently unemployed
• People with SEND
• Young people from disadvantaged communities
• School pupils
During the workshops, participants become forensic investigators, working together to solve a crime using fingerprint analysis, problem-solving, and hands-on activities. Despite the project still having time to run, so far the impact has been profound, with 98% reporting that they are enjoying the workshops and 93% saying that it is improving their understanding of science in real-life situations. Over 70% more participants are now considering a STEM related career as a result of taking part in the workshops.
A spokesperson for SERC commented “We’ve now launched our Cybercrime Workshops as part of the Great STEM Adventure, working with six schools in disadvantaged communities. Pupils will step into the role of MI5 agents—cracking codes, saving a robot, and catching cybercriminals!”
Watch the video below, which showcases the project and its achievements so far.