When opening of our new Amazon Development Centre site in Cambridge, we were keen to ensure that this new investment not only created new jobs, but also provided new opportunities to help capture the minds of the next generation of scientists who live locally.

That’s why we decided to work with Cambridge LaunchPad, an organisation that works with local employers to engage with schoolchildren so they can learn more about the exciting possibilities that STEM can offer. Cambridge LaunchPad was originally developed to inspire a love and fascination of engineering, science and technology in young people, and help educate them about the exciting career opportunities that exist in STEM. Specifically, it was designed to address the significant gender gap which exists in STEM employment. The programme provides support, experiences and opportunities in engineering, science and technology to students in Cambridgeshire schools, aged 8 to 18. LaunchPad’s model aims bring together local employers and schools to bring a coordinated approach to the common goal of increasing diversity and participation in the engineering industry.

Throughout this year, our Cambridge development centre employees will work with Year 5 students (ages 8-9) and Year 12 students (ages 16-17) across Cambridgeshire. Students receive a STEM challenge, which they take on in gender-balanced groups. Students with the most innovative entries will be selected to visit Amazon and other local businesses on a special project day. Year 12 students specifically, will take part in a full day advanced coding workshop while Year 5 students will visit the Prime Air indoor lab.

Anne Bailey, Co-Founder of Form the Future CIC who runs Cambridge LaunchPad, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Amazon as a partner for Cambridge Launchpad. Amazon’s support will help inspire a love and fascination of engineering, science and technology in young people, and help educate them about the exciting career opportunities that exist in STEM.”

Click here to learn more about Cambridge LaunchPad.