Newcastle, 21st Nov 2023 — Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), has joined forces with Newcastle United Foundation to host the largest science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) event dedicated for young women.
The EmPowerCyber event is a critical opportunity for over 1,200-year eight girls from 20 schools in the region to explore careers in cybersecurity and technology.
Sage’s groundbreaking event will take place at St. James' Park and will help inspire and educate the 12-year-old girls about the vast potential of a career in the tech sector. The two-day event, taking place across 21st- 22nd November, coincides with a critical milestone in the lives of the young students as they prepare to make their G.C.S.E choices.
EmPowerCyber will convene 40 organisations, including renowned local brands such as Greggs and Newcastle Building Society, charities, government and universities with the mission to empower more young female talent into STEM roles, while highlighting the incredible tech leading businesses on their doorstep.
From virtual reality escape rooms to "cracking the code" workshops, a forensic investigation into a fake security breach, app designing, password cracking, and stenography, this event will bring STEM careers to life through immersive, hands-on technology activities.
Sage, the main sponsor and organiser of the event, is committed to fostering the growth of STEM education in the North East. The company’s dedication to empowering young people into STEM careers recently earned them the title of 'Most Inspirational North East Technology Employer' at the North East STEM awards.
Ben Aung, Chief Risk Officer, Sage, said: "This event will help to remove barriers to careers in technology, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and tech entrepreneurs. The two-day event is focused on introducing the possibility of a STEM and in particular a cyber career to pupils that may not be aware it is within their grasp.
"The shortage of STEM candidates is a major risk to business growth, innovation and broader societal development so support like that provided at events like this play a vital role to help bridge the UK’s tech talent gaps."
Dawn Barber, Head of Business at Newcastle United Foundation, said: "EmPowerCyber is a key event in the Foundation’s extensive NU Futures programme provision and brings together hundreds of the region’s young people to meet with STEM industry experts based here in the North East.
"We are incredibly proud to provide unique, practical and purposeful experiences at EmPowerCyber to inspire the next generation of women and girls who will one day shape and lead the STEM sector.
"At Newcastle United Foundation, we are delighted to work with our Technology Partner Sage to make events like EmPowerCyber possible in our region and to ensure everyone has the tools and support they need to achieve their potential."
Andrew Withers, STEM Coordinator at George Stephenson High School, said: "We are privileged to be a part of this event again, which is larger this year and allows a new cohort of students to explore STEM opportunities.
"The range of activities is excellent and the students particularly enjoy the hands-on nature of the exhibits and genuinely leave feeling inspired.
"I think it really opens their eyes to the range of careers available to them, particularly with some of the girls who may have thought a lot of STEM based roles are 'just for the boys’. We are really pleased to highlight the opportunities out there with support from Newcastle United Foundation and Sage."
About Sage
Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses served by us, our partners and accountants. Customers trust our finance, HR and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitising business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, our digital network connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means we use our time, technology and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis.
