🎉 We SMASHED our Day 1 target - over £2k in 24 hours! But there’s still more to do. Like, share, donate, and help us bring the magic of STEM alive for every child 🧪✨ Your donation is doubled all week through the #BigGiveChristmasChallenge. Donate: lightyearfoundation.org/big-give

Donate today: lightyearfoundation.org/big-give

Big Give starts TOMORROW! From 2 - 9 Dec, every donation to Lightyear Foundation will be doubled. Just £5 (doubled to £10!) kits two students for our Lightyear Labs! If you can’t donate, sharing + engaging helps hugely. Our campaign video launches Tues 2nd @ 3pm - don’t miss it! 🎬

We’re thrilled to welcome 7 new trustees to the Lightyear Foundation Board 🌟 Their expertise and passion will help us make STEM more inclusive for every young person 💜 Meet the team: www.lightyearfoundation.org/our-team We’re also saying goodbye to Camila for her compassion impact!

One week to go until the #BigGiveChristmasChallenge begins!🎄 This means that between 2-9 December, every donation to Lightyear Foundation will be doubled by the #BigGive Learn more and get ready to Give BIG: www.lightyearfoundation.org/make-a-donat... #GivingSeason #Charity #ChristmasCampaign

On the 18th we celebrated LGBTQIA+ People in STEM! We stand with LGBTQIA+ STEM lovers. 🌈 Learn more here: prideinstem.org Today, on Trans Day of Remembrance, we honour trans and gender-diverse people lost to anti-trans violence. We see and welcome you. 💫 #LGBTSTEMDay #TransDayofRemembrance

Two weeks to go! Join us online for the next SEND in STEM Network session on Dec 3rd, 4–5pm, with leaders from Lime Academy Ravensbourne. We’ll explore meaningful STEM engagement for young people with PMLD To attend contact Hannah at [email protected] #SENDinSTEM #LightyearFoundation

#STEMFutures at #LimeAcademyRavensbourne is boosting confidence and curiosity for PMLD learners Through sensory STEM play students are exploring freely, taking risks, and making discoveries of their own 🐾🫧🔦🪶 Inclusive STEM makes a real difference #CuriosityInAction #LightyearFoundation #Avantor

Monday was World Science Day, highlighting “Trust, transformation and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050.”🌍 Disabled and neurodivergent young people are the future of STEM, and we must create spaces where they thrive. Inclusive science is essential for an innovative 2050. #WorldScienceDay

At Lightyear Foundation, our mission is to break down barriers so that every disabled young person can see themselves in STEM 💡🧪 A huge thank you to our partners, Garfield Weston Foundation, for championing inclusion in STEM. Together, we’re lighting the way for a more diverse and innovative future

Our CEO Jeff Banks spoke at the #RoyalSociety ’s Practical Science Conference 💡 He shared how inclusive practical science isn’t an add-on but excellent teaching rooted in Universal Design for Learning 🔬 Together, we can make hands-on STEM accessible for every young person 💜 #STEMforAll #STEM

One month to go until the Big Give Christmas Challenge!🎄 Thanks to our amazing pledgers, we unlocked matched funding from the AKO Foundation 💜 From Dec 2nd to 9th, every donation will be doubled to help make STEM more inclusive 💡 Get ready to give BIG: www.lightyearfoundation.org/make-a-donat...

Excited to have connected with the RCVS, whose leadership on disability inclusion in veterinary science is truly inspiring. We’re exploring opportunities to collaborate on shared inclusion goals Check it out: www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-vie... #STEMInclusion #VeterinaryScience #DisabilityInSTEM #RCVS

📅 Save the Date - Dec 3rd! Join our next SEND in STEM Network with Andy Smith & Lisa Webb from #LimeAcademyRavensbourne 🌟 Explore how to engage with young people with PMLD & create inclusive, meaningful STEM spaces 💡 More info: [email protected] #SENDinSTEM #LightyearFoundation

Our 3rd STEM Futures Community of Practice brought teachers together across the UK 🌍 The Focus: the role of student voice & play in inclusive STEM 💡 We’re seeing curiosity grow & confidence build! Huge thanks to #avantoruk & our amazing partner schools 💜 #STEMFutures

New term, big start! #SamuelPepysSchool hosted 2 Engineering Lightyear Labs over 4 weeks: • Built mini houses 🏠 • Designed balloon cars & tested air resistance 🎈 Huge thanks to the school & #HowmetAerospace Foundation. Help fund inclusive STEM - donate via our website. #STEM #Inclusion

🎉 Exciting news! We’re proud to be one of the lucky recipients of the #RTEToyShowAppeal With this support, we've launched a new project in Northern Ireland - bringing inclusive, hands-on STEM learning to life with six special schools and industry partners. 🌟🔬 #STEM #Inclusion #LightyearFoundation

What an incredible partnership to be part of! 🌍 Planet Possibility shows what’s possible when organisations work together to make physics more inclusive. We're proud to be partnered with them and to help open doors for more young people in STEM. 💫 🔗 www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/planet-...

The SEND in STEM Network meeting was electric!⚡ Experts from universities, medical, industrial & school labs shared ideas. From quick wins to the big policy changes for lasting impact. Huge thanks to Dr Katherine Deane and everyone who made it a success! Learn more: [email protected]

Less than 1 week to go! Mon 13 Oct, 6-7PM (Online/Free) Join our first Youth Group session with mathematician & artist @ayliean.bsky.social! Know a young person who’d love this? Please share!💜 Link here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lightyear-... #LightyearYouthGroup #youthvoice #futureleaders #maths

Celebrating STEM Stories: Meet Francesca - Technician Commitment Manager. Living with long-term conditions, she champions accessibility and leads the campus disability network. Most jobs can be made accessible with the right support. Watch her story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsyP...

Just one week to go! SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible 📅 Wed 8 Oct | 4–5 PM (BST) Featuring Dr Katherine Deane (UEA): lived experience + research expertise on inclusive labs. Email to join or let us know you access needs: [email protected] #AccessibilityInSTEM #SENDinSTEMNetwork

We’re thrilled for Chloe (founder member of our Youth Group and our first-ever Apprentice Board Member) who has just become a published author at only 18! Her debut: Chloe and Charlie: The Curious Club. Get it here: www.healearth.co/books #YouthVoice #DisabledLed #Neurodiversity

To out community: Autism isn’t caused by parenting, vaccines or headlines. It’s a natural neurodevelopmental difference. Change the myths & stigma. Science matters. Language matters. Watch Julies videos: - youtu.be/byJ-AgQHiBE - youtu.be/1sxi3hlmnAE #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity

Youth Group Launch! 🌟 📅 Mon 13 Oct 2025 | ⏰ 6–7pm | 💻 Online (free, live captions) Join our first session with mathematician & artist Ayliean, leading a fun, inclusive maths activity!🎉 Sign up for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lightyear-... #FutureLeaders #LightyearYouthGroup #LightyearFoundation

SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible - Revised Date Announced Weds 8 Oct | 4–5 PM (BST) Join us + Dr Katherine Deane (UEA) as she shares her expertise as a researcher & wheelchair user on making STEM labs more inclusive. 📩 Access needs or more info? DM or email [email protected]

New Resource! 🌟 Thanks to PA Foundation funding, we’ve launched our free STEM Inspiration Pack to ignite curiosity in disabled & neurodivergent students. Inside: • Inspiring role models • Adaptable experiments • Inclusive, fun activities Check it out here: www.lightyearfoundation.org/resources

Lightyear Foundation is seeking freelance educators & science communicators to deliver inclusive STEM for SEND students in #NorthernIreland. Check out what we want from you here: www.lightyearfoundation.org/join-us For more info email [email protected] #STEM #FreelanceOpportunity

Our CEO Jeff and Senior Programmes Manager Emma were honoured to attend the #ThirdSectorAwards. We are proud to have been finalists alongside #Digit<all>, #SharedInterestFoundation and #SkylarksCharity. Congratulations to the winners #VeteransWithDogs and the highly commended #TheMovement.

Celebrating STEM Stories: Meet Animesh An autistic engineering teacher at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, he shows how diversity fuels creativity in problem-solving. 🎥 Watch his story: youtu.be/unSynBwWbdI?... #CelebratingSTEM #Inclusion #Engineering #

What an inspiring week at the 14th Intl Conference on Compressors & their Systems! 🎉 First time #LightyearFoundation partnered & we were proud to join 4 brilliant neurodivergent engineers 💡 Huge thanks to #City,StGeorge’s & #Smallpeice Trust! 🙏 #BigGive

Eight students from #JohnWatsonSchool joined a Work Inspiration trip to @prodriveofficial.bsky.social 🚗💡 From race car design to engine testing, they explored cutting-edge motorsport tech & met inspiring engineers 🔧🏁 Huge thanks to #Prodrive for inspiring future innovators! #FutureEngineers

We’ve hit 50 sign-ups for SEND in STEM! Event Details: Making Labs Accessible 🗓 Wed 3 Sept, 4–5 PM BST 🎙 With Dr Katherine Deane (UEA) Join us to explore accessibility in STEM labs. 👉 Register: lnkd.in/esEGMpuQ #STEMInclusion #SENDinSTEM

Fantastic news! A huge thank you to #CellAndGeneTherapyCatapult for donating £6,500 💜 Their support helps break down barriers to STEM for disabled & neurodivergent young people.🔬 Check out their incredible work in cell & gene therapy: ct.catapult.org.uk #ThankYou #FutureScientists

“Wow, it was so impressive and such a lovely experience for our pupils… Thank you to Lightyear Foundation for making this possible.” 💡 Big thanks to our partners #immersive_experiences for hosting an amazing STEM Futures trip to #ysgolstchristophers 🚀 STEM really is for everyone 🔭

Yesterday was Int Youth Day! 🎉 We celebrated with our new Lightyear Youth Group, where disabled young people connect, share ideas, & make STEM inclusive. led by youth voices because its their future www.lightyearfoundation.org/lightyear-youth-group #InternationalYouthDay #STEMForAll #YouthVoice

🔬SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible Wed 3rd Sept | 4-5PM (BST) Join Dr Katherine Deane (UEA) to explore how we can make STEM labs accessible for disabled & neurodivergent researchers. Register via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/send-in-st... #SENDinSTEMNetwork #LightyearFoundation

Our biggest Work Inspiration visit yet! 30 Castledon School students explored DNA extraction (meet “Gregg” & “Alfata 42”), pipetting, and life as scientists. “It’s life changing,” said a teacher. Thank you Castledon & the amazing Wellcome Genome Campus team! #FutureScientists #WorkInspiration

Lightyear Youth Group has launched last week! A new inclusive community for neurodivergent & disabled young people in STEM. Led by YOU, evolving with YOUR voices. 💡 First official meeting this autumn! 🍂 Follow us and DM for how to join! #YouthLed #STEM #Inclusion #LightyearYouthGroup

Double the Impact! Pledge £100+ before 29 Aug to unlock match funding for children with disabilities in STEM. Your gift = double the resources, double the joy, double the change. Already pledged? ❤️ Like, repost & tag a friend! community.biggive.org/s/pledge?cam... #DoubleTheImpact #BigGivePledge

1 week to go 🚀 Join us online on 30 July, 2–3:15 PM for talks on STEM, creativity & inclusion Featuring: • Khalil Thirlaway (science & neurodivergence) • James Arthur (maths & comedy) • Kirsty Jones (disability in STEM) • Lightyears own Hannah and Sammy #LightyearFoundation #LightyearYouthGroup

Great day with #BriarwoodSchool for a work inspiration trip to #ScienceCreates 🌿 With hands-on science making seaweed pods as a plastic alternative. Ending with a tour of Science Creates incubator. Real science, real inspiration🌍 #LightyearFoundation #PlasticAlternatives #WorkInspirationTrips

We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for Small Charity of the Year at the #ThirdSectorAwards! 💥 Proud to be a disabled-led org making STEM accessible for all. Congrats to our fellow finalists and thanks to everyone involved in the awards. #STEMforAll #DisabilityInclusion #LightyearFoundation

A brilliant first sensory STEM Futures session with the amazing #LimeAcademyRavensbourne crew! From playdoh to ping pong balls, learners explored science their way - hands-on, and inclusive💜 Huge thanks to #Avantor for making it happen! #STEMFutures #AvantorFoundation #LightyearFoundation

It’s #DisabilityPrideMonth! We're celebrating the strength, creativity & diversity of the disabled community. At #LightyearFoundation, we’re making STEM a space where young people are empowered to lead, create & thrive. Want to help? Follow, share or connect - inclusion starts with action.

New on the #EngineeringMatters podcast: "Breaking Barriers to STEM with Lightyear Foundation" Hear how our disabled-led team is reimagining STEM with sensory science, labs & real leadership for young people. 🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6Geg... #DisabilityInSTEM #LightyearFoundation

The countdown is on! You’ve got 7 weeks to pledge £100 or more and help us unlock match funding to inspire more children with disabilities through STEM. 📅 Deadline: 29 August 🎯 This is how we Double the Impact. Are you in? 🔗 Pledge today: community.biggive.org/s/pledge?cam...

Are you 14–25, D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, and passionate about STEM? Join us online on 30th July, 2:00–3:15pm for the Lightyear Youth Group launch. Free to attend, just scan the QR code, and we will see you there #LightyearFoundation #LightyearYouthGroup #YouthLeadership

We had an amazing time at the Rochdale Science Extravaganza, a space where science truly is for everyone! From sensory circuits to inclusive STEM fun, it was a joy to see families engaged and SEND participants feeling seen, heard, and equal. #LightyearFoundation #RochdaleScienceExtravaganza

We took 12 Granta School students to the Wellcome Genome Campus. DNA, pipettes, lab tours, and big science energy! “I got a really big bit of DNA!” “It was so calming pipetting... like yoga.” Huge thanks to the Wellcome team for the inspiration! 💜 #DNA #LightyearFoundation #WorkInspirationTrips