Eco Pioneers Challenge: Introducing Girls to the Power of Data

On 23rd April, as part of Earth Week, 90 secondary school girls from across Cornwall came together at the Eden Project for a brand new STEM adventure — the Eco Pioneers Challenge, supported by the Royal Society.

This wasn’t just a celebration of the planet (although, yes, Earth Week is very cool). It was a chance for young people to explore how they can use data, tech, and teamwork to make a difference in their own communities.

A Day of Discovery, Data & Big Ideas

We kicked off with one big question: 

How can we use data to change the world around us?

Over the course of three hands-on workshops, the girls got stuck into collecting, interpreting and visualising environmental data. They coded micro:bits, made charts and graphs in Google Sheets, and began thinking about local issues they could actually research — like biodiversity, plastic in waterways, and even how to stop seagulls from taking over the school playground. 

“Our students came away from yesterday inspired and full of enthusiasm.” — Rich Jones, Teacher

It was all about turning big global challenges into local, doable projects — giving the girls real tools to start thinking like scientists, engineers and data explorers.

Real Role Models, Real Careers

One of the most exciting parts of the day? The 15 brilliant STEM professionals who joined us as mentors. These role models work across science, engineering, and creative tech — and they came ready to share their journeys, answer questions, and offer encouragement.

Their message was clear: there’s no one right way into STEM. Some had drama degrees. Some started out in totally different industries. Others got in through coding bootcamps or pursued their love of nature into ornithology.

“If I could tell my younger self something about my career, it would be: it probably won’t go where you think it will. There will be chops and changes, and that’s okay! You don’t have to stick to one path — you can do anything.” — Holly Cavender, Kings Service Centre – STEM Mentor

So… What Happens Next?

Well, we’re only just getting started.

Over the next eight weeks, each school will run its own Eco Pioneers Club. The girls will choose an environmental issue that matters to them, collect data (yes, the micro:bits are going back into action!), and explore what changes they could make.

Each team will be supported by one of the amazing mentors they met on the day — giving guidance and helping them bring their ideas to life. All projects will be submitted to the Eco Pioneers Competition, with every team receiving a prize and one group walking away with the winner’s trophy.

“We’re inspiring the next generation to get involved in STEM, helping to balance the workforce and bring more natural-born leaders into these fields.” — Olivia Whittle, Celtic Sea Power – STEM Mentor

The Future Is Bright (and Green)

This challenge is about more than just one day at the Eden Project. It’s about helping girls find confidence in their ideas, realise that STEM is for them, and understand how powerful data can be when it’s used with purpose.

Whether it’s monitoring air quality, tracking local biodiversity, or reducing waste in schools, these young changemakers are showing what’s possible when you mix curiosity with tech and a bit of teamwork.

“The thing I love most about TECgirls is how much they encourage girls to get into tech-based industries. I can’t wait to have more females around me as we keep doing these challenges in the future.” — Amy Featherstone, Kensa Contracting – STEM Mentor

Powered By Partnership

We couldn’t have launched the Eco Pioneers Challenge without the amazing support of the Royal Society, who have funded the programme through their Partnership Grants scheme.

This brilliant initiative gives UK schools and colleges up to £3,000 to team up with STEM professionals and run real-world investigative projects — just like Eco Pioneers. It's open to students aged 5–18 and supports all kinds of projects, including those that tackle local climate and biodiversity issues through the Tomorrow’s Climate Scientists initiative.

The goal is to help young people develop key skills like problem solving, research and data handling, while getting a real taste of STEM careers through hands-on support from industry experts. It’s not just about funding (although that’s very helpful!) — it’s about creating lasting partnerships and sparking big ideas that can carry on long after the project ends.

Follow the Journey

We’ll be sharing updates from the Eco Pioneers Clubs, mentor sessions and final projects over the next few weeks, so keep an eye out 💚