New £15,000 fund to champion women in STEM launched
New from our partners
A new £15,000 fund has been launched to help inspire more young people across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin into careers in construction, engineering and STEM.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,000 with applications closing on Monday 11 May 2026.
The new fund is a partnership between the Shropshire Community Foundation and the Dodd Group, a long-established Building services and Property Maintenance company with strong roots in the region.
Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF) is a registered charity connecting Shropshire people, businesses and funders with the local causes that matter most. Through a trusted network of independent, local experts, SCF manages funds, delivers grant programmes and connects communities across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, helping to create lasting, meaningful impact.
The new funding programme is focused on grant applicants looking to engage young people, particularly young women and under-represented groups, through hands-on workshops, digital skills sessions, mentoring opportunities and meaningful industry insight. The programme will prioritise accessibility, ensuring participants gain exposure to STEM pathways while developing confidence, problem-solving skills and awareness of local employment opportunities.
The new funding programme is focused on grant applicants looking to engage young people, particularly young women and under-represented groups.
By combining practical learning with real-world engagement, the aim is to build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills and increase awareness of local employment opportunities. Expected activities include interactive engineering challenges, digital literacy workshops, workplace engagement and careers talks.
The initiative follows a month that saw national focus on skills and representation through Women in Construction Week (1st–7th March) and British Science Week (6th–15th March), reinforcing the need to build stronger, more inclusive pathways into the sector. Both movements showcase the importance of science, technology and innovation in shaping future careers making this a timely launch for a fund focused on long-term skills development.
Sonia Roberts, Trustee at Shropshire Community Foundation, said:
“We’re delighted to partner with Dodd Group to create new opportunities for young people across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. This fund is about breaking down barriers and showing that careers in construction and engineering are open to everyone. By supporting hands-on STEM engagement, we can help inspire the next generation of young talent in our region.”
Full details of how to apply are available via the Shropshire Community Foundation website.
