lightyear youth group

 
 

The Lightyear STEM Youth Group is a group of disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14-25, who meet regularly to share their stories, experiences, and ideas about STEM with each other and with the Lightyear Foundation. 

The expertise of these young people guides the work of the Lightyear Foundation and other organisations, to promote inclusion and access across the STEM sector.

The Lightyear Youth Group launched in July 2025 after a series of co-production workshops with disabled and neurodivergent young people, who let us know what the group should look like and how it should work. The group is led by its members, and will evolve over time as they decide what direction it should take.

If you would like to join the Lightyear STEM Youth Group, you can let us know by signing up below:

If you have any questions, please get in touch at with us at hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

Lightyear staff and STEM speakers at the Lightyear Youth Group launch event in July 2025.

How does it work?

The Lightyear STEM Youth Group (14-25) meets online several times a year.

Within the larger Lightyear Youth Group, there are two smaller groups who meet  online every month:

  • Lightyear Youth Group (14-18)

  • Lightyear Youth Group (19-25)

We also organise occasional in-person meetings.

Our future plans for the group include:

  • A regular newsletter

  • A dedicated online platform

  • Volunteering opportunities, including an Apprentice Board Membership 

 

What happens at Lightyear Youth Group meetings?

At Lightyear Youth Group meetings our members:

  • Discuss STEM prompts & questions from Lightyear

  • Hear from STEM speakers

  • Take part in STEM activities

  • Share thoughts & opinions from their communities

Most importantly, our members get to decide what we do at meetings!

How can I make sure the Lightyear Youth Group is accessible for me?

It’s really important to us that everyone who wants to participate in the Lightyear Youth Group is able to.

We know that speaking up in an online meeting isn’t for everyone, so we send out questions and prompts to members before meetings. We also make sure that you have the chance to share your thoughts in writing, audio or video before and after each meeting.

You’re also very welcome to bring a friend, family member, or other trusted person to meetings with you.

If there is anything else that would make it easier for you to attend a Lightyear Youth Group meeting, including a BSL interpreter, please let us know at hannah@lightyearfoundation.org