Give young people the opportunity to experience STEM
Help fund a school visit to Life
For more than 25 years, Life has helped schools bring science to life through curriculum-linked workshops, hands-on experiences and opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and maths beyond the classroom.
For some young people, a visit to a science centre can be much more than a school trip. It can be a chance to discover something new, build confidence, meet inspiring role models and begin to see a future in STEM.
But not every school can afford to bring their students to Life.
Transport costs have risen significantly since 2020 and can now account for a substantial portion of the cost of a school visit. This means that children in schools with fewer resources can miss out on experiences that could broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations.
Your support could change that.
By sponsoring a school visit, you can help facilitate:
A curriculum-linked workshop led by Life's education team
Hands-on experiences across our science centre
Opportunities to explore science beyond the classroom
Encounters with role models and different STEM careers
Transport to and from Life, removing a significant barrier for schools
“Visiting Life Science Centre gave pupils a hands-on, immersive experience that brought science to life in a way that the classroom alone can’t always achieve. For the pupils, it made learning memorable and meaningful. They were able to explore, experiment and see real-world applications of what they learn in school.”
Willington Primary School
Sponsorship options
If you’re interested in helping a school in your local area have a brilliant, educational day out , please get in touch.
£900 – A school visit for one class
Fund a class visit to Life, including entry to the science centre, a curriculum-linked workshop and transport.
£1,100 – A science-themed Santa Experience
Give a primary school class a festive visit to Life, with a science-themed Santa experience, centre visit and transport.
£1,200 – Science and skating
Fund a class visit to Life, including a curriculum-linked workshop, entry to the science centre, transport and a skating session on our winter ice rink.
£2,000 – Space Explorers
Support a school through our Space Explorers programme, combining a visit from Life’s mobile planetarium, a subsidised visit to the science centre with a space-themed workshop, a classroom resource and an online session connecting students with scientists.
Make a donation
Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation to support our work via JustGiving.
Registered charity number 1059607.
Why your support matters
Children and young people in the North East face some of the greatest educational and economic challenges in England.
23.1% of A-level entries achieved A or A* grades in the North East, compared with 32.7% in London.
17.7% of GCSE entries achieved grades 7 or above, compared with 28.6% in London.
One in three children and young people in the region live in relative poverty.
28% of working-age adults are economically inactive, compared with 21% nationally.
For children growing up with fewer opportunities, experiences beyond the classroom can make a real difference. A visit to Life can spark curiosity, build confidence, raise aspirations and help young people see new possibilities for their future.
Life supports the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s Child Poverty Action Plan, which sets out a five-year programme to tackle poverty and improve outcomes for children and young people across the region.
Our work complements these ambitions by giving young people opportunities to enrich their education, experience new environments and discover the STEM subjects, skills and careers that are on their doorstep.
By sponsoring a school visit, you can help make these opportunities available to more young people, regardless of their circumstances.
“The trip to the centre and the workshop were very beneficial to our pupils, many of whom don’t have the aspirations in life to pursue jobs in science. It has been great to see them enthused and talking about the qualities they have that link well to careers in science too.”
We want every child to have the opportunity to experience this, regardless of the circumstances of the school they attend.”
Grange Park Primary School, Sunderland
Sponsor a school visit
If you’re interested in sponsoring a school visit or making a donation, we’d love to hear from you! Please email sponsorship@life.org.uk and we’ll be in touch!
Other ways you can support Life
Become a member
As a Life annual member, you get unlimited access to our science centre for less than the cost of three visits. You’re also helping us to fund more exciting events and activities, bringing science to more communities in the North East.
Visit Life Science Centre
Whether you’re planning a weekend day-trip activity or a summer holiday treat, there’s so much to explore and do. Visit the Space Zone, pop into the Planetarium, watch your little ones enjoy the Play Zone or get stuck into the Making Studios. Buy a ticket, and all activities are included.