We are working with six UK education charities and social enterprises to collaboratively create a bespoke education programme that will support fill gaps in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and strengthen existing programmes through funding, volunteering and the development of novel artificial intelligence (AI) resources.
Access to STEM education remains a challenge for many teenage people in the UK, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Research shows that 38% of schools do not offer any GCSE computing subjectsand many schools, mostly located in underserved areas, do not enroll students in triple science subjects (physics, biology, and chemistry) – limiting opportunities to study science at a higher level. These barriers not only contribute to the existing achievement gap, but also directly impact the number of opportunities students have to pursue careers in science-related fields, including AI, in the future.
Developing Fresh AI Resources with the Raspberry Pi Foundation
We will work closely with Raspberry Pi Foundationa charity promoting the study of computing and digital technologies, to develop novel AI-focused resources, including lesson plans for students and training for teachers. Created to be culturally relevant and accessible to all students aged 11-14, the resources will be designed to support them better understand AI and the role it will play in their future.
More than 20 DeepMind volunteers, from a range of teams and disciplines, will work closely with Raspberry Pi to support shape these resources and ensure they reflect current thinking and emerging topics in AI. Once complete, all resources will be made available free of charge to any school in the UK.
Register your interest in Raspberry Pi Here to learn more about novel resources or participate in piloting materials.
Expanding the reach of existing programs
DeepMind will also provide funding and volunteer support to five other organizations. This will support introduce novel AI content into their existing operations, increasing their reach and the number of teenage people who can benefit from their programs.
Through these programmes we hope to reach over 500 schools (over 10% of secondary schools in the UK) and over 100,000 teenage people, with a particular focus on mainstream schools and students from under-represented groups.
A lasting commitment to inclusive education
At DeepMind, we know that to build a mighty, fair, and influential AI community, we must ensure that technology is built by—and for—those who represent the diverse world we live in. This journey begins with access to education. We are incredibly proud to have launched a variety of university and graduate initiatives, such as DeepMind Scholarship Program and DeepMind Scholarship program and today we are excited to expand our reach through these partnerships to support younger learners.
We know that access and inclusion in early childhood education is just one part of solving long-standing structural imbalances in AI, but it’s a crucial part. We hope this program will support encourage and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers—especially those who never imagined it was possible.
To learn more about DeepMind’s educational programs, please visit our partner organizations’ websites and our website.