“These creators represent the future of STEM communication,” said Andrew Everett, ERA Foundation. “Their diverse approaches and expertise will help transform how young people engage with engineering concepts. Each project demonstrates innovative ways to showcase engineering’s role in solving global challenges.”
Oluwatosin Toba intends to organise and document two events through social media platforms. The Discovering Engineering & Tech Event aims to explore diverse engineering roles and highlight industry projects, while the Engineering Hackathon will challenge participants to solve real manufacturing problems. Toba plans to create educational content documenting these events across TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Ariana Kalavana intends to create a video series that celebrates trailblazers in STEM and spotlights industry pioneers. Through expert interviews, captivating stories of historical achievements, and explorations of future technologies, the series will inspire a new generation to dream big, embrace curiosity, and pursue careers in STEM.
BAFTA-nominated Fran Scott is launching “How To Build…” – a women-led engineering YouTube channel (@howtobuild…) showcasing UK infrastructure and manufacturing innovations. Drawing from her experience hosting engineering podcasts and BBC programming, Scott plans to create documentary-style content featuring visits to electric aircraft facilities and underwater data centres. Updates on the channel will be shared through her Instagram (@fransfacts).
Engineering with Rosie founder Rosemary Barnes intends to highlight UK energy transition projects. Barnes plans to combine technical accuracy with engaging storytelling through site visits and educational content focusing on renewable energy innovations and sustainable technology.
Aerospace engineer and STEM advocate Jessica Gagen, known for collaborations with Boeing and the European Space Agency, intends to create aerospace-focused content emphasising career opportunities. Her planned shorts will explore aerospace engineering fundamentals while highlighting industry innovations and career pathways.
The grant represents a strategic investment in transforming engineering education through digital platforms for the ERA Foundation. With each creator receiving £4,500, the initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in STEM communication and inspire the next generation of engineers.
The program targets young people aged 13-30, a demographic increasingly engaged with digital content but often underrepresented in engineering fields. This age range encompasses critical decision points in education and career pathways, from GCSE subject selection to early career development.
Content creation is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with a structured rollout through 2025. The timeline allows creators to develop comprehensive educational series; building sustained engagement rather than isolated content pieces. Each creator brings specific expertise to different aspects of engineering communication:
Digital engagement forms a crucial focus, with content designed to show pathways into engineering that might otherwise remain hidden from young audiences. The creators will showcase real-world applications and career opportunities, highlighting roles in emerging fields such as sustainable technology and aerospace innovation.
The grant has prioritised creators who can reach underrepresented groups in engineering. Women comprise only 16.5% of UK engineers, highlighting the urgent need for diverse role models and accessible content. The selected creators bring varied perspectives and communication styles, ensuring content resonates with different audience segments.
The grant program forms part of the ERA Foundation’s broader mission to strengthen UK engineering education and innovation. By supporting digital creators, the Foundation aims to modernise how engineering concepts reach young audiences, ensuring technical education remains relevant and engaging in an increasingly digital world.
For detailed information about grant recipients, project timelines, and upcoming content, visit www.borntoengineer.com.
