21 October 2024: CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre network, has partnered with STEM Learning, a leading provider of education and careers support in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to help bring learning to life in classrooms throughout the UK.
CityFibre has committed £150,000 over a three-year period into various STEM Learning modules, benefiting over 80 schools within the Project Gigabit footprint. These modules will include Computer Clusters, I Belong, and ENTHUSE Partnerships, which will each respectively, improve the delivery of computer science and IT lessons for all students, encourage and enable girls to pursue a career in STEM, and develop young people’s awareness and understanding of STEM subjects.
The partnership will also offer additional KS1 and KS2 resources through Explorify1 available to all teachers nationwide and create opportunities for students to explore and understand careers in STEM, plus CityFibre employees will volunteer their time to host assemblies and webinars to educate young people on career paths within the industry. Known for its impact on teaching and learning, STEM Learning’s programmes are highly effective in elevating the quality of education and prospects for young people across the country.
It is estimated that by 2030, there will be a shortage of around one million engineers across the UK2. Historically, there have been barriers for young people to thrive in STEM subjects, such as lack of confidence in STEM subjects or lack of extra support in these subjects, and subsequently, STEM careers have seen a decline in interest amongst young people3. CityFibre, with STEM Learning, aims to address these challenges by showcasing how enriching and accessible STEM careers can be.
This partnership with STEM Learning is a key component of CityFibre’s broader ESG initiative, reflecting its dedication to social responsibility by investing in the education and future of young people.
Stacey King, Senior Partnership Manager at CityFibre, said: “We believe in the power of technology and education to transform lives and, with this partnership, we aim to bridge the digital skills gap and help inspire the next generation of digital innovators to pursue a career in STEM.
“Our partnership with STEM Learning underlines CityFibre’s social value commitments and, as part of the Project Gigabit programme, we are investing in the future and equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.”
Mayaz Rahman, STEM Learning’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Partnerships like this are exactly the reason I joined STEM Learning. CityFibre’s very welcome and generous donation to our ENTHUSE Charitable Trust allows us to work together on this dynamic three-year plan to transform the prospects and outlook of thousands of young people.”
In the coming months, CityFibre will also embark on a mission to enhance the communities it serves by investing in local biodiversity programmes and establishing community funds. The partnership with STEM Learning and upcoming community initiatives underscores CityFibre’s commitment to making a tangible difference in society. Through demonstrating a commitment to social value, CityFibre is determined to create a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of CityFibre by Weber Shandwick. For further information, interviews or images, contact cityfibre@webershandwick.com
Notes to editors:
- https://explorify.uk/why-explorify
- https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/shortfall-of-1m-engineers-threatens-uk-infrastructure-projects
- https://www.stem.org.uk/all-news/young-people-show-declining-aspirations
About CityFibre:
CityFibre is the UK’s largest independent full fibre infrastructure platform, providing carrier-neutral digital infrastructure to its wholesale customers and enabling ultra-fast, reliable and futureproof broadband, Ethernet and 5G services to serve homes and businesses as well as schools, hospitals and GPs surgeries.
CityFibre’s full fibre network rollout programme targets up to a third of the UK market; representing up to 8m homes, 800k businesses, 400k local authority sites and 250k 5G access points. CityFibre has already announced 285 cities, towns and villages that will receive a transformational digital upgrade as part of the nationwide rollout.
As the only 100% full fibre wholesale network in the UK, CityFibre is trusted by major Internet Service Providers and mobile operators including TalkTalk, Three, Vodafone and Zen as well as a new generation of smaller regional ISPs dedicated to delivering full fibre broadband. In August 2024, Sky and CityFibre announced a long-term partnership that will see Sky launch broadband services on the CityFibre network. Work is underway to ensure Sky’s Full Fibre Broadband will be available to people on the CityFibre network in 2025.
CityFibre is based in London and is owned by funds managed by Antin Infrastructure Partners and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company, Interogo Holding and Newlight Partners.
About STEM Learning:
STEM Learning is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising young people’s engagement and achievement in STEM. It is the largest UK provider of STEM education and careers support to schools, colleges and community groups working with young people.
Visit www.stem.org.uk @STEMLearningUK for more information.
About Project Gigabit
Project Gigabit is the UK government’s rollout of lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK.
The programme targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband companies’ commercial plans, reaching parts of the country that would otherwise miss out.
It will also accelerate the government’s work to break down barriers to opportunity across the UK. Our rollout will enable people to shop, bank and access public services without endless loading screens and enjoy cutting-edge tech from virtual reality to ultra HD streaming – regardless of where they live or work.
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