Each summer presents our partner, the Market Development Association (MDA), with an opportunity. Young people from the community are out of school for the best part of three months, meaning there is time for engagement and development work. Usually, the MDA offer a summer programme of activities that is well received by local kids and their parents. However, this year Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) and the MDA decided to try something a little different and worked together to stand up a STEAM summer scheme called "Tech Creators." This innovative programme was part of a broader dimension of QCAP referred to as 'Education and the Knowledge Economy'.

The primary purpose of the Tech Creators scheme was to inspire local 8- to 12-year-olds by creating an immersive learning experience that provided them with an introduction to (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) STEAM subjects while nurturing their creativity and curiosity. QCAP played a pivotal role in establishing a connection between the Queens University’s academic community and the Market community, facilitating access to experts across diverse fields, including cutting-edge robotics. This was also supported by our colleagues within the Global Innovation Institute (GII). By doing so, the programme sought to broaden their educational horizons and ignite their interest in potential future studies and career paths. Additionally, the initiative emphasised the significance of participation from working-class communities like the Market in the rapidly expanding Northern Ireland knowledge economy. Our intention is not only to enable participation but also to empower these communities to shape the innovation landscape.

STEAM education is immensely important for communities such as the Market, as it addresses skills gaps, boosts economic mobility, and empowers communities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Early exposure to STEAM concepts nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and tech literacy, while also establishing a local perspective on global challenges such as climate breakdown.

The Tech Creators programme featured an offering of engaging activities both on and off the QUB campus. From exploring biodiversity at the Queen’s Marine Lab on Strangford Lough to sampling creative media at the Sonic Arts Research Centre, participants were exposed to learning opportunities they wouldn’t frequently get at school. The Robotics Lab and the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research offered further insights into the world-leading research and technologies on offer at QUB.

One of the programme's highlights was the Robotics Day, where young participants interacted with a range of autonomous vehicles and drones. This hands-on experience, hosted by both PhD students and Dr. Mien Van, showcased the fun side of the important research they’re doing and its practical applications.

The impact of the project has resonated strongly. It has enhanced participants' knowledge of STEAM subjects, boosted their confidence, and fostered new connections to economic destinations. The partnership between QUB and the Market community ensured that the programme aligned with the community's aspirations, and we are also working towards establishing alternative pathways for young people through education and into employment. The relevance of Tech Creators to the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) is noteworthy as it aligns with BRCD's mission to foster inclusive innovation, inclusive economic growth, benefiting the region's most deprived communities and spreading its advantages equitably.

As our society becomes increasingly defined by innovation and technological advancement, initiatives like Tech Creators pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. By nurturing young minds, breaking down barriers, and fostering collaboration, QCAP's STEAM summer scheme has hopefully not only inspired the next generation of innovators but also added to the conversation around a more equitable and diverse knowledge economy.

 

You can read more about Tech Creators via the following media coverage links:

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/market-kids-urged-aim-high-27513627