The first award this year goes to Learning Hydro Limited. The project will deliver a series of single day training events to senior pupils in some 12 schools and colleges within the funds benefit area to emphasise the application of STEM subjects in the context of designing small scale hydropower schemes.
In reaction to receiving this exciting news, Gordon Black from Learning Hydro said “'We are absolutely delighted with the award of the grant funding; it will enable them to deliver a set of 'one day' hydropower design training events for young students demonstrating the applicability of science, technology, engineering and maths in this branch of renewable energy. The event will also refer to the wide range of people and jobs that all make input to the design, consenting and construction of even small hydropower scheme.’
The second award this year goes to the Morecombe Bay Partnerships. The project entitled ‘Defending the Docks’ is a military heritage community recording project rooted in STEM learning and skills development for young people. Working with young adults, schools and volunteers, this project will foster skills particularly in computer science, digital technology, coding, virtual reality, mathematical surveying, engineering design and study of materials to scientifically record World War archaeology remains on Walney Island in Barrow.
Michelle Cooper, Morecombe Bay Partnership’s Team leader for Communities and Volunteering said ‘We are passionate about supporting skills development in the community rooted in high quality training and real world practical applications. We’re thrilled to secure this funding from Ørsted which will enable us to deliver an exciting and imaginative project that brings together Barrow’s nationally significant World War archaeology and STEM skills”
The third grant this year is awarded to 3D Web Technologies to deliver their highly successful ‘Design a Windfarm in Virtual Reality’ sessions to over 360 pupils at 12 schools within the funding area. It will be a teamwork activity involving: Maths, IT, Engineering, Graphic Design & Presentation Skills using innovative, engaging Virtual Reality technology. The project will be based upon a resource package developed and utilised by 3DW under a previous workshop delivery series created to support Ørsted offshore projects.
The three awards form part of the company’s £600,000 Walney Extension Community Fund 25-year annual commitment, and is part of the community engagement programme across the Lancashire and Cumbria coastlines. Earlier this year, the total funds invested into local community and educational projects reached £3M.
Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Stakeholder Advisor and Community Benefit Fund Manager, said: “The three projects chosen support a wide range of positive activities that support STEM learning and help you people build skills needed to unlock future career opportunities. Ørsted’s continued support of young people in the local community highlights the importance we place on investing in future generations.”
The Fund is being administered by the independent grant-making charity GrantScape. For further information about the Fund and when and how to apply, please visit their website www.grantscape.org.uk or call them on 01908 247630.