A BRADFORD Afro-Caribbean education project has won a share of £100,000 funding to boost excellence in STEM subjects.

The funding comes from Northern Gas Networks and Northern Powergrid, delivered in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation.

The funding allows the companies to deliver schemes tackling issues close to the utility firms’ hearts, such as supporting children into science, technology, engineering and maths  (STEM) subjects to create a more diverse workforce.

Funding has also been delivered to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency.

Along with the short-term funding the utility firms are aiming to find organisations to form long-term partnerships with to increase their impact.

In Bradford, the African Caribbean Achievement Project, based in Claremont, has been selected to receive funding through a new project called STEM 4 All.

It provides weekly STEM education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds through one-to-one tutoring, group work and workshops, giving them practical learning opportunities, informative books and stories infused with STEM.

It will teach young people skills to pursue a career in STEM and also give them a well-rounded education, improving not only their science knowledge but also their reading, writing, critical thinking and more.

Jill Walker, from Northern Gas Networks, said: “We are committed to helping our most vulnerable communities across the North.

“The Community Partnering Fund, delivered in partnership with Northern Powergrid, is all about providing enduring support to organisations at the heart of the communities that we serve.

“We are very pleased to be able to announce this latest round of grants to some really fantastic grassroots organisations across the region, who will now go on to make a positive and practical difference to those living in their communities, as we continue to undergo a very challenging time after the pandemic.”

Michelle Cummings, from Northern Powergrid, added, said: “This fund is helping us reach into communities and give vital support to a diverse range of people and organisations at a time when they need it most.

“From inspiring future generations to explore STEM subjects and fulfil their potential to encouraging people to be energy smart and helping reduce the risk of fuel poverty, we are proud to play our part in supporting the communities we power.”