Young and Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award Grant (UK)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Spirit of Trevithick Award provides mentoring and funding support to young STEM enthusiasts aged 16–23 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The program helps recipients develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through financial assistance of up to £2,000 and structured mentorship from industry professionals.

The award prioritizes young people with strong STEM potential, particularly those facing economic hardship, and supports development activities such as training, equipment, and STEM-related projects.

Program Overview

The Spirit of Trevithick Award is designed to support young people who show talent, interest, or ambition in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

The program combines financial support with structured mentoring to help participants:

• Develop technical and scientific skills.
• Access training and educational opportunities.
• Work on STEM-related projects.
• Gain industry insights and career guidance.
• Build pathways into STEM careers.

The award is intended to remove barriers that prevent young people from progressing in STEM fields, particularly financial or social barriers.

Program Objectives

The Spirit of Trevithick Award aims to:

• Support young STEM innovators and learners.
• Encourage participation in science and technology careers.
• Provide financial assistance for STEM development activities.
• Offer professional mentoring and career guidance.
• Reduce barriers caused by economic hardship.
• Strengthen STEM skills in local communities.
• Promote long-term engagement in STEM education and careers.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be aged between 16 and 23.
• Be a resident of Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly.
• Have demonstrated talent, interest, or potential in STEM.
• Be a young person engaged in or aspiring toward STEM development.

Priority Applicants

Priority is given to individuals who:

• Come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Face financial or social barriers to STEM participation.
• Have limited access to training or equipment.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• A recent reference dated within the last three months.
• A reference signed and written on official headed paper.
• Evidence of interest or achievement in STEM.
• Details of proposed development activity.

Incomplete applications or missing references may not be considered.

Award Benefits

Successful applicants receive a combination of financial and mentorship support.

Financial Support

Recipients may receive:

Up to £2,000

Funding can be used for STEM-related development activities such as:

• Scientific or technical equipment.
• Project materials and supplies.
• Training courses or workshops.
• Educational resources.
• STEM project costs.
• Skill development tools.

The funding is intended to directly support STEM learning and progression.

Mentoring Support

Award recipients also receive structured mentoring from industry professionals.

Mentoring may include:

• Career guidance in STEM fields.
• Technical skill development support.
• Advice on education and training pathways.
• Project development feedback.
• Industry insights and networking opportunities.

Mentorship is designed to support long-term STEM career progression.

What the Award Supports

The Spirit of Trevithick Award funds activities that contribute to STEM development, including:

STEM Projects

• Engineering prototypes
• Science experiments
• Technology development projects
• Research-based activities

Skills Development

• Coding and software learning
• Engineering skills training
• Laboratory or technical workshops
• STEM certifications

Educational Advancement

• Specialist STEM courses
• Training programs
• Learning materials
• Academic enrichment activities

Equipment and Tools

• Scientific instruments
• Technical tools
• Electronics kits
• Computing equipment (where relevant)

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed by a review panel based on:

STEM Talent and Potential

Evaluation of the applicant’s:

• Interest in STEM subjects
• Demonstrated ability or achievement
• Motivation and ambition

Proposed Development Activity

Assessment of:

• Clarity of project or learning plan
• Relevance to STEM development
• Practicality and impact of proposed use of funds

Personal Circumstances

Consideration is given to:

• Financial hardship
• Access to opportunities
• Social or educational barriers

Overall Potential Impact

Reviewers consider how the award may:

• Improve STEM skills
• Support career development
• Enable future opportunities
• Reduce barriers to progression

Why This Award Matters

The Spirit of Trevithick Award plays an important role in supporting the next generation of STEM professionals in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

It helps address key challenges such as:

• Limited access to STEM resources.
• Financial barriers to training and equipment.
• Lack of mentorship opportunities.
• Unequal access to career pathways.

By combining funding with mentorship, the program helps young people turn STEM interest into real skills and future career opportunities.

How the Application Process Works

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants must ensure they:

• Are aged 16–23.
• Live in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly.
• Have a genuine interest or talent in STEM.

Step 2: Prepare a Reference

Applicants must obtain:

• A recent reference (within 3 months).
• Signed documentation.
• Reference on headed paper.

Step 3: Prepare STEM Development Proposal

Applicants should outline:

• Their STEM interests.
• Planned project or activity.
• How funding will be used.
• Expected learning outcomes.

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are submitted for panel review.

Step 5: Review Process

The panel evaluates applications based on:

• Talent and potential.
• Quality of proposal.
• Personal circumstances.
• Alignment with program goals.

Step 6: Award Decision

Successful applicants are notified and may begin receiving funding and mentoring support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Missing or outdated references.
• Vague STEM project descriptions.
• Unclear use of funding.
• Failure to demonstrate STEM interest or potential.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Ignoring eligibility criteria.

Strong applications clearly connect STEM interest, practical plans, and development goals.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve chances of success:

• Clearly explain your STEM passion and goals.
• Provide a specific and realistic project idea.
• Show how funding will directly support learning.
• Highlight any STEM achievements or experience.
• Demonstrate motivation and long-term ambition.
• Ensure references meet all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Spirit of Trevithick Award?

It is a STEM-focused award that provides funding and mentoring to young people aged 16–23 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants can receive up to £2,000 for STEM-related development activities.

Who can apply?

Young people aged 16–23 who live in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly and have an interest or talent in STEM.

What does the award include besides funding?

Recipients also receive structured mentoring from industry professionals in STEM fields.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding can support STEM equipment, training, courses, project costs, and educational resources.

Is financial hardship considered?

Yes. Priority is given to applicants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is required in the application?

Applicants must submit a recent reference (within three months), signed and on headed paper, along with a STEM development proposal.

Conclusion

The Spirit of Trevithick Award provides meaningful support for young STEM enthusiasts in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by combining financial assistance with professional mentoring. By funding projects, training, and equipment while offering guidance from industry experts, the program helps young people develop skills, overcome barriers, and build strong pathways into future STEM careers.

This award plays a key role in nurturing local talent and encouraging the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators.

For more information, visit Cornwall Community Foundation.