STEM Pathways Fund 2026: Up to £150,000 in Grants to Help Young People Transition from Further Education into STEM Careers
The STEM Pathways Fund 2026 supports organisations in England helping disadvantaged young people in Further Education transition into STEM careers, apprenticeships, and higher education. Successful projects may receive grants ranging from £75,000 to £150,000 for up to 24 months.
Overview
The STEM Pathways Fund 2026 is a pilot funding opportunity created by Mission 44 and Santander UK Foundation. Its goal is to support organisations developing practical, sustained, and collaborative approaches to improve STEM transitions for young people aged 16 to 19 in Further Education (FE) settings across England who face financial, social, educational, or structural barriers.
The initiative aims to award up to four grants ranging from £75,000 to £150,000 each, supporting projects that last up to 24 months. The funding is flexible and can be unrestricted where appropriate, allowing organisations to respond effectively to local circumstances.
Eligibility
The fund is open to eligible not-for-profit organisations and qualifying educational institutions operating in England. Eligible entities include:
- Registered charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee
- Community Benefit Societies and Cooperative Societies with an asset lock
- Other not-for-profit organisations equipped with an asset lock
- Further Education Colleges and designated Sixth Form Colleges
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) and school sixth forms are not eligible to apply. Applicants should focus on supporting young people aged 16–19 in Further Education encountering barriers such as financial hardship, caring responsibilities, unmet SEND or mental health needs, and limited access to professional networks.
How to Apply
The application process consists of two main stages:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must complete an initial online EOI form, which takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
- Full Application: Shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal of up to five A4 pages.
Applicants experiencing accessibility barriers can contact the team directly via email at [email protected].
Deadline
The Expression of Interest deadline is Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.