We are partnering with six UK (UK) education charities and social enterprises to co-create a dedicated education program to help address gaps in STEM education and strengthen existing programs through funding and volunteering and develop new resources for AI.
Accessing STEM education remains a challenge for many young people in the UK, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Research shows that 38% of schools do not offer GCSE Computer Science at all, and many schools, which are mostly located in disadvantaged areas, do not enroll students in the triple science subjects (Physics, Biology, Chemistry) – limiting opportunities to study Science at A-level higher. Not only do these barriers contribute to the current achievement gap, but they directly affect the number of opportunities students have to pursue a career in STEM-related fields, including artificial intelligence, in the future.
Develop new AI resources using the Raspberry Pi Foundation
We will work closely with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a charity that promotes the study of computing and digital technologies, to develop new resources focused on AI including lesson plans for students and training for teachers. Designed to be culturally appropriate and accessible to all students ages 11-14, the resources will be designed to help them better understand AI and the role it will play in their future.
More than 20 DeepMind volunteers, across different teams and disciplines, will work closely with the Raspberry Pi to help shape these resources and ensure they reflect current thinking and emerging topics in AI. Once completed, all resources will be made freely available to every school across the UK.
“For many young people in the UK, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, a career in AI seems out of reach – and that needs to change. By focusing on education at a young age, there is an opportunity to help break down long-held barriers. We hope that this educational program will help instill confidence in the next generation of students and ultimately play a role in creating an accessible and inclusive global AI ecosystem.”
Obum Ekeke OBE, Head of Education Partnerships at DeepMind
Register your interest in the Raspberry Pi here to learn about new resources, or take part in the materials trial.
Amplify the reach of existing programs
DeepMind will also provide funding and volunteer support to five other organizations. This will help bring new AI content to their existing activities, and increase the reach and number of young people who can benefit from their programmes.
Through these programmes, we hope to reach over 500 schools (over 10% of secondary schools in the UK) and over 100,000 young people, with a focus on state schools and students from underrepresented groups.
Ongoing commitment to inclusive education
At DeepMind, we know that in order to create a strong, fair, and impactful AI society, we must ensure that the technology is created by — and for — those who represent the diverse world we live in. This journey begins with access to education. We are very proud to have launched several undergraduate and graduate initiatives such as the DeepMind Scholarship Program and the DeepMind Academic Fellowship Program, and today, we are thrilled to be able to expand our reach through these partnerships to help younger students.
We know that access and inclusion in early education is only one part of addressing long-standing structural imbalances in AI, but it is a vital part. We hope this program will help encourage and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers – especially those who never imagined it would be possible.
To learn more about DeepMind educational programs, please visit our partner organizations and our website.