Progressing STEM Family Learning in the Community

National College of Ireland’s (NCI, a higher education institute) Early Learning Initiative (ELI), an innovative grassroots public purpose project, addresses systemic inequalities and enables at-risk children to discover their STEM potential.

Beginning with early intervention, ELI facilitates inclusive cross sectoral STEM learning for children from birth up to 16 years old. Local champions, family learning and parent engagement are key to empowering individuals, nurturing inclusive education, building resilient families and sustainable communities. Programmes include STEM Play & Learn, six-week home visiting programme for 4–6-year-olds; weekly Coding Clubs for 7–12-year-olds; a Senior Coding Club for 13 – 16-year-olds, and STEM Events which embrace marginalised families.

Parents’ impact on children’s learning, interests and outcomes is profound. Building on our 2024 SFI research on parents’ perceptions of STEM and digital technologies, 5 in-depth case studies focus on understanding families’ long-term engagement in multiple SFI STEM programmes through a social network analysis with qualitative examination of network structures, processes and culture. Findings will foster a stronger culture of engagement and inform future innovative STEM initiatives and feed into Ireland’s STEM policy statement that Ireland will be internationally recognised as providing the highest quality STEM education experience for learners that nurtures curiosity, inquiry, problem-solving, creativity, ethical behaviour, confidence, and persistence, along with the excitement of collaborative innovation.