Young Pathfinders

Young Pathfinders is an educational outreach programme, which empowers young people from Stirling and Clackmannanshire to make a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.

School children sat around a table with mentors

This innovative, extra-curricular environmental education initiative is tailored for young people, with the goal of fostering the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. Our programme equips students with essential knowledge, skills, and tools to make a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.

The programme is delivered by the University of Stirling’s Enterprise Programme Team, as part of Scotland’s International Environment Centre.

Young Pathfinder aims and objectives

The Young Pathfinder's programme aims to support pupils in achieving the following learning outcomes:

development of environmental awareness;
development of green skills and knowledge of green career and tertiary education pathways;
development of knowledge of regional green entrepreneurship and enterprise pathways;
development of employable enterprise skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving;
application and demonstration of the above skills through end-of-programme real-world group projects.

Why Choose the Young Pathfinder’s programme?

Holistic education

Our programme offers a comprehensive approach to environmental education, incorporating sustainability, conservation, renewable energy, waste reduction, and ecological awareness. Through engaging activities, interactive sessions, and hands-on projects, we inspire critical thinking, support enterprise skills development, and foster meaningful connections with the environment.

Expert facilitation

The programme is delivered by experienced educators with expertise in environmental sciences, green careers, and entrepreneurial education. They are dedicated to providing a positive and empowering learning experience.

Real-world engagement

We emphasise experiential learning by partnering with local environmental organisations and arranging field trips. Students will participate in activities like career fairs and conservation projects, experiencing firsthand how their actions can effect change.

Personal growth and leadership development

The programme promotes personal growth by developing enterprise employable skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. We empower students to become catalysts of change, encouraging them to voice their ideas, collaborate on real-world issues, and take on leadership roles.

Sponsorship opportunities

Please contact us for sponsorship opportunities and join us in making a significant impact on the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. Learn more about wider enterprise partnership and sponsor opportunities.

How to get involved

We directly contact all schools in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area about this programme. Please contact us on siec@stir.ac.uk if you want to find out more.

Events and activities

The programme is structured around the four key themes of Scotland’s International Environment Centre: Business Accelerator, Healthy Landscapes, Future Resources, and Healthy Waters.

Healthy Landscapes

Tree Planting field trip event – an outdoor excursion during National Tree Planting Week. Learn about local biodiversity and ecosystems.

Healthy Waters

Meet the Scientists – an interactive session with scientists and a tour of the University's laboratories focusing on clean land, sea, and air.

Future Resources

Future-ready resources event – an interactive event on the intersection between the climate crisis and tech solutions and innovation.
Future Food event - a session focusing on future food solutions.

Business Accelerator

Enterprise Day – an event focusing on circular economy and responsible entrepreneurship during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Green Champions - a session with local green industry champions.
Claim Tomorrow pathways fair – a speed-networking careers fair with local green industry representatives.

Young Pathfinder's Programme Climate Competition

The annual Young Pathfinders Climate Competition is designed to inspire and empower pupils to tackle environmental challenges through innovative projects. The competition encourages pupils to propose and implement solutions to real-world environmental issues. It involves a series of events and activities that enhance environmental awareness, green skills, and employability.

Launch and Info Sessions - Pathfinders are introduced to the competition during the launch event, followed by online sessions to introduce the competition and provide guidance.
Project Development - Pupils work in teams to develop their projects throughout the programme, supported by expert facilitators.
Finale - School groups present their projects, judged on innovation, impact, and feasibility.

The programme encouraged participants to:

develop environmental awareness and green skills;
foster team collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving abilities;
Understand the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals.

Previous winners include cohorts from Alloa Academy, and Stirling High, with the pupils’ achievements being celebrated in the local media and the Scottish Parliament.

Tackling climate change with Young Pathfinders

How young people from Stirling and Clackmannanshire are being empowered to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The Young Pathfinder’s Programme aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Quality Education (Goal 4)
Climate Action (Goal 13)
Life on Land (Goal 15)
Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17)

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 logo - Quality Education Sustainable Development Goal 13 logo - Climate Action

Contact us

To find out more about the Young Pathfinder’s Programme, please contact us.