Camden Learning is delighted to report that Camden Council is increasing funding to expand the borough’s pioneering Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) programme for a further three years as part of our refreshed strategy for school engagement with STEAM.
The generous 60% increase in funds will enable more young people to access work experience and career opportunities in the borough’s science, technology and creative industries.
Camden STEAM – a partnership between the council and Camden Learning – brings schools, employers and community organisations together to make sure young people benefit from the innovation and investment in the borough by connecting classroom learning with real-world careers.
Camden STEAM recently hosted an event at the London AI Campus to launch its strategic priorities to 2027 and celebrate recent achievements. School leaders, councillors and students gathered to celebrate the achievements of Camden STEAM since 2022 and launch its refreshed strategic priorities for 2026/2027.
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said: “Camden is full of creativity and innovation, and it’s vital that the benefits are felt by the young people who live here.
“This investment helps us do exactly that – help create a truly inclusive economy, make growth work for Camden and give every young person the chance to thrive and build bright futures in the borough.”
Celebrating success
Over the past three years, Camden STEAM has already made a significant impact. The programme has engaged more than 13,000 children and young people and mobilised over 75 STEAM pledge partners from across the creative, digital and scientific industries.
Together, these partners have delivered a wide range of opportunities, including work experience placements, mentoring programmes, industry encounters and vocational pathways.
During the event, we were proud to see primary and secondary school students take centre stage to showcase projects and speak directly with guests about their experiences with the programme.
Tristen, a LaSWAP student who takes part in lessons at the London AI Campus, highlighted the value of these opportunities: “The AI Campus has been great – especially the robotics course. I think spaces like this are so important not just for us students, but also future employers. You’re able to gain good insights and first-hand experiences from professionals in the field that you’re interested in.”
Hannah, a student from Regent High School, spoke about how mentoring has helped her explore her interests in science: “My mentor has helped me because her job in neuroscience aligns with my interests. By getting to see what she does, she’s made me love science even more and it’s helped me broaden my knowledge of what science can do.”
The new funding announced by the council will allow Camden STEAM to build on this momentum. Plans for the next phase include deepening collaboration with some of the borough’s most influential institutions, including Google, UCL, Arup and the Francis Crick Institute, and supporting progression into STEAM apprenticeships and T Levels.
The investment will also support the expansion of the annual Camden Primary Careers Day, increase the number of work experience opportunities available to students and strengthen support for young people facing barriers to employment through the Camden Youth Mission.
Speaking at the reception, Baroness Caine of Kentish Town, Chair of the STEAM Board, emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between schools and employers.
“We are at a moment of real opportunity in education,” she said. “The renewed focus on the arts, creativity, critical thinking, AI and cross-subject learning in national reforms reflects what Camden STEAM has championed for years. Strong partnerships between schools and employers are vital to connect learning to the world beyond the classroom.”
We would like to thank everyone who attended the reception, which reinforced the importance of Camden STEAM’s brilliant partnerships, working together to create exciting and impactful opportunities for young people.
If you are a school, employer or organisation interested in supporting young people through the Camden STEAM programme, we would love to hear from you. Contact us to learn more about how to get involved: steampledge@camden.gov.uk.
