The annual STEM in the Park event, dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics activities, will engage children and families. It is set to occur at Memorial Gardens in the heart of Crawley on Saturday, May 18, from 11 am to 4 pm.
Hosted by the STEM Hub with support from London Gatwick and primary sponsor Crawley Borough Council, the event will feature a range of activities. Participants will have the chance to receive career advice and insights from local employers, educational institutions, professional organizations, STEM advocates, and educators. They will explore various career opportunities in fields such as aviation, construction, geoscience, healthcare, and more.
At the event, London Gatwick will provide interactive exhibits, allowing children and families to engage with engineering tools to replace an airfield light or to build bridges like structural engineers. Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, London Gatwick said: “It is so fantastic to be part of STEM in the Park for another year. It is vital we support events such as this and continue to build relationships with the local community.
“At London Gatwick, we are passionate about nurturing talent and encouraging young people to consider a career in the aviation sector.” Louisa Venables, Engineering Support at London Gatwick, said: “London Gatwick is so excited to sponsor and be part of STEM in the Park this year! As an airport, we are dedicated to inspiring younger generations and consequently run a full STEM programme on-site.
“STEM in the Park will provide a brilliant platform for us to reach local communities and generate a greater awareness and excitement about what’s on offer locally within the STEM industries.” Lisa Wetton, The STEM Hub Corporate Relationship Manager said: “We were thrilled with the fantastic turnout and tremendous success of last year’s event, and we’re excited to be part of this popular celebration again this year. No matter your age, it’s never too soon or too late to discover the inspiration and wonder of everything STEM in a fun and engaging way. We look forward to welcoming families, young people, exhibitors, and STEM Ambassadors on the day!”
The recent inauguration of an on-site STEM center at London Gatwick significantly contributes to achieving their goals. This custom-designed space provides school children aged 4-18 with a practical environment to explore STEM subjects and the diverse career opportunities related to airport operations. Furthermore, London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future by submitting a planning application to regularly use its existing Northern Runway. This proposal is currently under review by the Planning Inspectorate. The plan aims for low environmental impact and intends to enhance operational resilience, minimize delays, and significantly benefit both the national and regional economies through enhanced trade, tourism, and job creation.
