Abstract

‘STEM enrichment’ typically refers to educational activities not prescribed by the school curriculum, which aim to enhance students’ learning and experience of STEM subjects. In recent years, enrichment has assumed rising political importance, not only within this educational context, but also as a ready vehicle for delivering policy objectives in the broader arena of ‘public engagement in science’ , ‘raising participation in higher education’, and ‘public governance of science’. The emerging landscape is filled with contradictions that challenge both policymaking and the framing of practice. This colloquium will present an overview of current policies, practices and trends, and explore some of the contradictions and challenges therein.