NatCen to evaluate UK Space Agency youth programme

The Inspiration programme aims to inspire young people to pursue STEM (science, engineering, technology and mathematics) subjects, attract top-tier talent to the UK space sector and demonstrate the benefits of space science and technology.

NatCen will evaluate three separate workstreams: Space to Inspire, Space to Learn and Skills for Space.

These workstreams focus on young people at different stages of their journey in STEM engagement.

The evaluation includes interviews, desk research, surveys and focus groups, as well as supporting ongoing monitoring and evaluation within the different workstreams. Fieldwork for the evaluation has begun and will be completed in spring 2025.

The key priority of the national evaluation is to measure if current investments are being maximised across the programme and in alignment with the overarching National Space Strategy.

Gayle Munro, director of NatCen’s Centre for Children & Families, said: “The Centre for Children & Families are delighted to be working with the UK Space Agency on this crucial programme, to inspire our future workforce to engage with STEM education and employment.

“We have a strong track record of delivering rigorous evaluation research of a variety of programmes designed for children and young people and are thrilled to be expanding on our knowledge in the STEM sector.”

Harriet Kennedy, head of education and future workforce at UK Space Agency (UKSA), said: “This important evaluation work from the National Centre for Social Research will identify where we can make the greatest impact on skills shortages through our interventions, to grow a diverse and skilled workforce which can support the UK’s future ambitions in space.

“The UKSA believe evaluation is critical to understanding our impact, deciding how to allocate our resources and deliver value for money for the taxpayer.”