The Royal Institution (Ri) has secured support from leading construction technology firm Causeway Technologies, to take hands-on tech education for young people throughout the UK, via Ri Masterclasses in computer science.
Supported by £1m over the next five years, deepening the Ri’s decade-long partnership with Causeway, the initiative will broaden the reach of the Ri’s Masterclasses in computer science, taking them beyond the classroom and into youth clubs, sports organisations and faith groups, in communities that are underserved by STEM education.
To date, the initiative has delivered 117 computer science Ri Masterclasses and introduced more than 3,000 students to real-world technology skills, opening up new pathways into technology for young people across the UK. The next phase will extend this impact even further, with a particular focus on increasing participation among girls and reaching more young people from underserved areas.
Causeway’s investment will also support the development of ready-to-use materials and workshops, helping community groups deliver impactful sessions without needing specialist expertise, making the programme scalable and sustainable over the long term.
Katherine Mathieson, Director of the Royal Institution, said: “We are grateful to Causeway for the 10 years of invaluable support they have given for our Ri Masterclasses. Together we have directly benefited students identified by their teachers as likely to respond from in-depth exploration but who may be unable to access similar paid for opportunities, with 91% of those students feeling positive about the topic being explored.
“So we are delighted that Causeway has chosen to so generously build on our existing partnership over the next five years, helping us to significantly scale the impact of Ri Masterclasses.”
Phil Brown, Executive Chairman of Causeway Technologies, said: “As a construction technology company, we see every day how important digital skills are to the future of our industry. Yet too many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, still lack access to the kind of quality STEM education that could set them on that path. That’s why we’re supporting the Royal Institution to help bring computer science learning to the communities that need it most.
“We want every young person to have the chance to explore technology, build practical skills and see how they could one day contribute to industries like construction. Causeway is proud to power the next generation of innovators in construction tech and beyond.”
To mark the launch of the expanded partnership, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Royal Institution’s historic home in central London on 19 June. The event brought together representatives from both organisations to celebrate a shared commitment to widening access to digital education and inspiring the next generation of technology talent.