United Kingdom, open worldwide
The Youth STEMM Award
A British award for young people who love science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine.
The Youth STEMM Award is a UK award, open to students anywhere in the world, that recognizes STEMM activity outside the classroom. Students earn Bronze, Silver or Gold by logging hours and reflections across four strands: 45 hours for Bronze, 90 for Silver and 150 for Gold. Tallyhurst coaches American students through it from age 13.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Tallyhurst is an independent coaching service, not affiliated with Youth STEMM Award CIC.
What the award is
The Youth STEMM Award is run by Youth STEMM Award CIC, a not-for-profit social enterprise in the United Kingdom. Students design their own program of STEMM activity at school, at home, online, on trips or in clubs. Almost any STEMM activity counts, as long as it happens outside normal lessons, homework or exam revision. On completion, students receive a medal, a printed certificate and a digital badge.
Who can take part
The award is open to young people up to age 19, and Tallyhurst coaches it from 13. American students register as independent international participants, and the Youth STEMM Award team assesses their submitted activities. There is a one-off fee for each level, set by the Award; international fees include postage of the medal. Students can register at any time of year and take as long as they need to finish.
The four strands
Inspiring the next generation. Sharing STEMM with students of the same age or younger, from running a club session to designing an activity.
Engaging the public. Bringing STEMM to a wider audience through events, posters, presentations or written pieces.
Developing your skills and knowledge. Courses, competitions, reading, projects and practical work that deepen understanding.
Shaping your future. Exploring careers and next steps, such as talks, visits and conversations with people working in STEMM.
Each hour is logged once. A single activity can be split between strands, such as a museum visit logged half in one strand and half in another, but the same hour cannot count twice.
Bronze, Silver and Gold
| Level | Total hours | Suited to | What is added at this level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 45 hours | a first STEMM award, often for younger students | logging activity across all four strands |
| Silver | 90 hours | students ready for a larger challenge | covering all five STEMM areas, and designing and delivering an original activity for younger students and for a public event |
| Gold | 150 hours | students committed to studying STEMM beyond 16 | focus on one STEMM area, mentoring, a debate or conference presentation, and a poster and written resource |
Each level also sets minimum hours within each strand. Source: Youth STEMM Award participant handbook. Confirm current requirements on ysawards.co.uk.
Students can upgrade from Bronze to Silver, or Silver to Gold, and carry their logged hours forward. Gold is designed around continued STEMM study after 16, so we confirm Gold eligibility with the Award for each American student before starting at that level.
How we coach the Youth STEMM Award
We help your teenager find activities that fit each strand, plan the Silver and Gold projects, and keep one activity log with a short reflection after each entry, ready for the Award's digital portfolio. Regular online sessions, with a parent or guardian present, keep the hours spread evenly rather than crammed at the end. The eight-day rule catches a quiet log within days. Parents receive a written progress report every month. Because the award opens at 13 for our students, it is often where a Tallyhurst journey begins, before The Congressional Award at 13 and a half and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at 14.
Questions about the Youth STEMM Award
Can American students do the Youth STEMM Award?
Yes. The Youth STEMM Award is open to students anywhere in the world. American students register as independent international participants and submit their activities to the Award's team for assessment.
What age is the Youth STEMM Award for?
The award is open to young people up to age 19. Tallyhurst coaches students from 13.
How many hours does each level take?
45 hours for Bronze, 90 hours for Silver and 150 hours for Gold, spread across four strands.
What counts as a STEMM activity?
Almost any activity in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine, as long as it takes place outside normal lessons, homework or exam revision.
Is there a time limit?
No. Students can register at any time and take as long as they need to complete a level.
Can my teenager move up a level?
Yes. Students can upgrade from Bronze to Silver or from Silver to Gold and carry their logged hours forward.
Does the Youth STEMM Award help with college applications?
It gives a student a documented record of sustained STEMM activity beyond the classroom, with a medal and certificate from a UK award body, which they can describe in applications and interviews.
Is Tallyhurst part of the Youth STEMM Award?
No. Tallyhurst is an independent coaching service, not affiliated with or endorsed by Youth STEMM Award CIC.