A budding scientist, manufacturing engineer and mining geologist have become the first recipients of the brand new Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award.
Created to help Cornwall’s brightest young minds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) kick-start their careers and achieve their potential, the funding and mentorship scheme champions the innovators of tomorrow. Recipients are matched with an established Cornwall-based company or innovator for invaluable expert advice and given access to a cash award of up to £2k for the development of a particular project or piece of equipment.
17 year-old Lily Butler (Helston) is among the talented trio. The award will support her as she travels to Thailand to represent Camborne Science and International Academy at an international science competition and fair. Constantine’s Arthur Axe (age 14) meanwhile has his sights on a career in advanced manufacturing and is exploring aerodynamic principles while studying at Penryn College. For Naomi Watson (age 22, Penryn) the award moves her one step closer to studying a mine ventilation course in America.
The Spirit of Trevithick Award is the latest initiative of Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund which since 2005 has provided grants of over £400k to budding stars of tomorrow across a wide range of skills areas.
As well as supporting youngsters showing outstanding promise in STEM, over 30 grants have also been handed out to 14-23-year-olds with impressive potential in everything from surfing and swimming to music and performing arts.
The latest Young & Talented Cornwall recipients came together at a celebratory presentation evening at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus where they were congratulated by Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall who heads up the initiative.
He said: “We have been running the Young & Talent Cornwall Awards for almost 20 years and in that time we have supported so many dazzlingly talented young people, including sportswomen from Helen Glover to Molly Caudrey.
“The latest 36 recipients have such ability and potential and I am honoured to be able to help them on their way, with the support of our generous sponsors and partners.
“As the very first recipients of our Spirit of Trevithick Award, Lily, Arthur and Naomi in particular are trailblazers. They are following in the footsteps of Cornwall’s great innovators and carving a new path which will enrich their own futures as well as Cornwall’s.”
Ian Jones, CEO of Goonhilly Space Station and curator of the Spirit of Trevithick Award, added: “I had the pleasure of chairing the panel assessing applications and was overwhelmed by the quality, passion and ambition that shone through. Supporting young people today is an investment in tomorrow. It is a joy to help nurture talents in the STEM space and evolve passions and interests.”
Applications for the next round of grants are now open until end-July. For more information, visit www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org
