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Lightyear Foundation
@lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
48 followers 35 following 180 posts
Breaking down barriers to disabled and neurodivergent children and young people participating in STEM.
🧪Lightyear Labs
👩‍🔬Celebrating STEM Stories
🔬Work Inspiration Trips
🤝SENDinSTEM
Posts Replies Media Videos
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
We’ve hit our Big Give target a day early! Thank you to everyone who donated and shared - your generosity has been the real catalyst this Christmas ⭐🎄

There’s still time to give before midday tomorrow. Donations won’t be doubled, but every gift still counts.

lightyearfoundation.org/big-give
December 8, 2025 at 11:48 AM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
Donate now: lightyearfoundation.org/big-give

Help us reach more disabled and neurodivergent children and young people so we can continue to change lives, like Chloe's.

This weekend your donation is doubled through the Big Give. Double your impact today!
Chloe is wearing safety goggles and gloves is pouring a steaming liquid from a metal kettle into a container during a science demonstration. The background shows STEM equipment on a table. At the bottom, white text reads: “If you can, please support Lightyear this week. Your donation doesn’t just fund programmes – it changes lives. I know, because it changed mine. ~ Chloe (18).” The Lightyear Foundation logo appears underneath the quote. A purple overlay covers the previous image, with the Lightyear Foundation logo and white text over the top featuring Chloe’s personal story. "When I was a teenager, hospital became a normal part of my life. Through two years of cancer treatment I missed school and time with friends, and it sometimes felt like the world was moving on without me. But in the middle of all that uncertainty, science gave me hope – a spark of possibility when everything else felt out of reach. When I discovered Lightyear Foundation, they didn’t just give me opportunities – they gave me a voice. Through their podcast project and speaking at conferences, I learned that my story mattered and that I could use my experiences to help others. Today, at 18, I’m proud to be an apprentice trustee for Lightyear Foundation, working with some other amazing disabled scientists to make sure no young person is left out of opportunities because of their health or disability. If you can, please support Lightyear this week. Your donation doesn’t just fund programmes – it changes lives. I know, because it changed mine.”
December 7, 2025 at 6:29 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
Donate now: lightyearfoundation.org/big-give

Help us reach more disabled and neurodivergent children and young people so we can continue to change lives, like Chloe's.

This weekend your donation is doubled through the Big Give. Double your impact today!
A group of six people stand in a row at an event, all smiling at the camera. Four young participants stand in the centre, wearing name badges and lanyards, Either side are two adults in business attire. Behind them are Lightyear Foundation banners showing disabled young people taking part in STEM activities. At the top of the image, white text reads: “The future of STEM will be neurodiverse. And thanks to Lightyear Foundation, I feel ready and proud to be part of it. ~ Harrison (19).” The Lightyear Foundation logo sits below the quote. A purple overlay covers the previous image, with white text and the Lightyear Foundation logo over the top featuring Harrisons personal story. "Growing up neurodivergent can be tough. School wasn’t easy at all, and there were plenty of times I felt like people didn’t really get me. But I always had this thing for engineering - taking things apart, figuring out how they worked - and I was determined to follow that, no matter what. Even now, as an engineering apprentice in a factory, the challenges haven’t magically gone away. Because my neurodivergence isn’t always obvious, people can think I’m fine when actually I’m working twice as hard just to keep up. It can feel a bit like you’re trying to fit into a world that wasn’t quite built for you. That’s why Lightyear Foundation has made such a massive difference for me. They didn’t just cheer me on, they understood where I was coming from. They gave me chances to build my confidence, try new things and actually believe I belonged in STEM. And honestly, one of the wildest moments was speaking at an international engineering conference in London. Me! A lad from up north, on a stage, sharing my story and chatting to engineers from all over the world… I came away thinking, ‘Wow, I can actually do this.’ I don’t think I’d ever have had that chance without Lightyear Foundation backing me. I honestly think the future of STEM will be neurodiverse. And thanks to Lightyear Foundation, I feel ready and proud to be part of it. If you can, please support Lightyear in the Big Give this week. Every donation gets doubled, and it helps give other kids the same chances I’ve been lucky enough to have."
December 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
We want to hear about you! 🔬

As the Big Give continues, we want to hear your story. Were you encouraged or did you face barriers?

Every donation is doubled, helping us create more inclusive STEM experiences like F1 in Schools. 🏎️

Donate: lightyearfoundation.org/big-give
December 5, 2025 at 12:57 PM
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Today we’re celebrating 30 STEM success stories - and we have a big ask.

Please donate £30, £1 for each incredible disabled or neurodivergent STEM story.

Your £30 becomes £60 this week. 💜

Donate: lightyearfoundation.org/big-give

We're celebrating with a lookback at out stories this year.
December 4, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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🎉 We SMASHED our Day 1 target - over £2k in 24 hours!
But there’s still more to do. Like, share, donate, and help us bring the magic of STEM alive for every child 🧪✨

Your donation is doubled all week through the #BigGiveChristmasChallenge.

Donate: lightyearfoundation.org/big-give
December 3, 2025 at 4:27 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
Big Give starts TOMORROW!

From 2 - 9 Dec, every donation to Lightyear Foundation will be doubled. Just £5 (doubled to £10!) kits two students for our Lightyear Labs!

If you can’t donate, sharing + engaging helps hugely.

Our campaign video launches Tues 2nd @ 3pm - don’t miss it! 🎬
December 1, 2025 at 3:18 PM
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We’re thrilled to welcome 7 new trustees to the Lightyear Foundation Board 🌟

Their expertise and passion will help us make STEM more inclusive for every young person 💜

Meet the team: www.lightyearfoundation.org/our-team

We’re also saying goodbye to Camila for her compassion impact!
[Image Description] A graphic with a large yellow banner across the middle reading: “Meet Our New Board Members” in bold black text. Features seven portraits of Lightyear Foundation’s new trustees arranged in two rows on a purple background with molecular design patterns. Top row (left to right): Chloe - smiling, wearing a dark blue top with a white background. Tony - smiling, with short hair and a beard, wearing a dark shirt. Mitch - smiling, bald, wearing glasses and a dark blazer. Lisa - smiling, with long brown hair, wearing a light top, with a bright background. Bottom row (left to right): Paul - smiling, wearing glasses, a dark turban, and a jacket, standing outdoors. Julie - smiling, wearing glasses and a light cardigan, with pink hair. George - smiling, with long dark hair, wearing a black shirt.
November 27, 2025 at 3:41 PM
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One week to go until the #BigGiveChristmasChallenge begins!🎄

This means that between 2-9 December, every donation to Lightyear Foundation will be doubled by the #BigGive

Learn more and get ready to Give BIG:
www.lightyearfoundation.org/make-a-donat...

#GivingSeason #Charity #ChristmasCampaign
November 25, 2025 at 8:58 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
On the 18th we celebrated LGBTQIA+ People in STEM! We stand with LGBTQIA+ STEM lovers. 🌈

Learn more here: prideinstem.org

Today, on Trans Day of Remembrance, we honour trans and gender-diverse people lost to anti-trans violence.

We see and welcome you. 💫

#LGBTSTEMDay #TransDayofRemembrance
[Image Description] A graphic with a purple background. At the top white text reads "We see you. We celebrate you. ". In the center is a photograph showing two hands gently holding light purple flowers surrounded by a cloud of mist, likely from a science experiment. The Lightyear Foundation logo appears below the image. At the bottom, white text reads: “We will keep showing up for you!” The border includes circular and connecting-line patterns resembling molecular structures.
November 20, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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Two weeks to go! Join us online for the next SEND in STEM Network session on Dec 3rd, 4–5pm, with leaders from Lime Academy Ravensbourne. We’ll explore meaningful STEM engagement for young people with PMLD

To attend contact Hannah at hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

#SENDinSTEM #LightyearFoundation
[Image description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation’s SEND in STEM Network session. The background is white with green and purple curved shapes and bubble-like circles. At the top, large text reads: “SEND in STEM Network, December 3rd, 4–5pm (Online).” Beneath it, smaller text states: “Theme: STEM for Young People with PMLD with Lime Academy Ravensbourne. Contact hannah@lightyearfoundation.org for more information.” Along the bottom are three circular photos of learners taking part in sensory STEM activities. In the first, a facilitator holds a bubble making device while a learner with their fingers in their ears blows into it. In the second, a pupil and an adult investigate materials on a yellow tray. In the third, a learner works with a facilitator to explore trays of feathers, coloured playdough, and other tactile resources. The Lightyear Foundation logo sits at the bottom centre.
November 19, 2025 at 3:47 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
#STEMFutures at #LimeAcademyRavensbourne is boosting confidence and curiosity for PMLD learners

Through sensory STEM play students are exploring freely, taking risks, and making discoveries of their own 🐾🫧🔦🪶

Inclusive STEM makes a real difference

#CuriosityInAction #LightyearFoundation #Avantor
[Image description] A collage of photos titles "STEM Futures funded by Avantor", on a purple background with floating bubbles. The Lightyear Foundation logo sits at the bottom. 6 photos show pupils engaging in different sensory STEM activities: a child reaches towards floating bubbles; a student exploring animal footprints with support from an adult; a learner watching closely as a facilitator models blowing into a tube that launches leaves; another child in a supportive standing frame investigates leaves and water with an adult; a learner with their fingers in their ears ass they blow on a bubble making machine help by a teacher and a final scene shows a learner experimenting with trays of feathers, playdough, and other tactile materials with guidance from an adult.
November 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
Monday was World Science Day, highlighting “Trust, transformation and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050.”🌍

Disabled and neurodivergent young people are the future of STEM, and we must create spaces where they thrive.

Inclusive science is essential for an innovative 2050.

#WorldScienceDay
[Image description] A group of students sit in a darkened room, gazing at a large projection of Earth on a screen. A bright line connects a point on the globe to its core, illustrating a scientific concept. The scene captures curiosity and engagement as the students watch intently. The image is framed with a purple border featuring molecular patterns, and text at the top reads “Curiosity leads to discovery.” At the bottom is the Lightyear Foundation logo.
November 14, 2025 at 11:08 AM
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Our CEO Jeff Banks spoke at the #RoyalSociety ’s Practical Science Conference 💡

He shared how inclusive practical science isn’t an add-on but excellent teaching rooted in Universal Design for Learning 🔬

Together, we can make hands-on STEM accessible for every young person 💜

#STEMforAll #STEM
A collage of three photos on a purple background with the Lightyear Foundation’s molecular design pattern. Top left: Jeff, wearing glasses and a green lanyard speaks at a podium labeled The Royal Society. Top right: The exterior of The Royal Society building, a grand cream-coloured building with tall pillars and large windows. Bottom: The same speaker stands at the podium in front of a projected slide showing the Lightyear Foundation logo over an image of a wildflower meadow.
November 11, 2025 at 4:41 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
One month to go until the Big Give Christmas Challenge!🎄

Thanks to our amazing pledgers, we unlocked matched funding from the AKO Foundation 💜

From Dec 2nd to 9th, every donation will be doubled to help make STEM more inclusive 💡

Get ready to give BIG: www.lightyearfoundation.org/make-a-donat...
[Image Description] The graphic features four students engaged in a science activity. Three of them are sitting together wearing white polo shirts, and one person in the foreground is wearing a purple fleece and holding a purple “Certificate of Completion.” They are gathered around a silver cylindrical science device placed on a table. The background is purple with red text that reads: “theBigGive CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE Between the 2nd and 9th of December YOUR DONATION IS DOUBLED” At the bottom right, there is the Lightyear Foundation logo, which includes colourful interconnected dots forming a star-like shape next to the text.
November 6, 2025 at 4:11 PM
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Excited to have connected with the RCVS, whose leadership on disability inclusion in veterinary science is truly inspiring. We’re exploring opportunities to collaborate on shared inclusion goals

Check it out: www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-vie...

#STEMInclusion #VeterinaryScience #DisabilityInSTEM #RCVS
We’re so inspired by the RCVS’s leadership on disability inclusion in veterinary education. Their Embracing People with Disabilities in the Veterinary Profession report sets a powerful example for other STEM sectors. We’re now exploring opportunities to work together on shared goals for greater inclusion and accessibility. #Inclusion #STEM #VeterinaryCareers #DisabledAndNeurodivergentVoices
November 5, 2025 at 3:44 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
📅 Save the Date - Dec 3rd!

Join our next SEND in STEM Network with Andy Smith & Lisa Webb from #LimeAcademyRavensbourne 🌟

Explore how to engage with young people with PMLD & create inclusive, meaningful STEM spaces 💡

More info: hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

#SENDinSTEM #LightyearFoundation
[Image Description] A circular, purple and green graphic with the Lightyear Foundation logo at the top. Text reads: “Save the Date – SEND in STEM Network - December 3rd 2025” “Contact hannah@lightyearfoundation.org for more information.” "Theme: STEM for young people with PMLD With Lisa Webb and Andy Smith (Assistant Head and Headteacher at Lime Academy Ravensbourne)." Along the bottom are three circular photos: On the left, a teacher helps a child roll a large orange tube on the floor. In the centre, a young person holds a stick with a green ball on top. On the right, a student in a sensory or therapy pool uses a wooden stick to interact with floating objects. The design features curved shapes and molecular-style graphics in Lightyear Foundation’s purple and green colour palette
October 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
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Our 3rd STEM Futures Community of Practice brought teachers together across the UK 🌍

The Focus: the role of student voice & play in inclusive STEM 💡

We’re seeing curiosity grow & confidence build!

Huge thanks to #avantoruk & our amazing partner schools 💜

#STEMFutures
[Image Description] A collage of three photos from an exploratory session at Lime Academy Ravensbourne on a purple background decorated with autumn leaves. The top-left image shows a student using dried leaves in a creative activity, mixing them in a bowl of green paint. The bottom-left image shows a colourful classroom display with large paper leaves and a cardboard frame being used by a student. The right image shows a student reaching up to touch hanging decorations, including umbrellas and globes, suspended from the ceiling. The Lightyear Foundation logo appears at the bottom centre.
October 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
New term, big start!

#SamuelPepysSchool hosted 2 Engineering Lightyear Labs over 4 weeks:
• Built mini houses 🏠
• Designed balloon cars & tested air resistance 🎈

Huge thanks to the school & #HowmetAerospace Foundation.
Help fund inclusive STEM - donate via our website.

#STEM #Inclusion
[Image description] A square collage with a purple, polka-dot border and the Lightyear Foundation logo at the bottom. Top image: An educator in safety glasses and a lab coat smiles and leans in as a student wearing ear defenders builds a small house-like structure from wooden sticks and brightly coloured modelling clay. Bottom left: In the background an online demo displays a close-up of a house structure. At the front of the picture is a student laying down with a teacher in a lab coat showing them the same house structure that they made. Bottom right: A student kneels on the floor to launch a balloon-powered car along a short track in a classroom with red cupboards.
October 24, 2025 at 4:40 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
🎉 Exciting news!

We’re proud to be one of the lucky recipients of the #RTEToyShowAppeal

With this support, we've launched a new project in Northern Ireland - bringing inclusive, hands-on STEM learning to life with six special schools and industry partners. 🌟🔬

#STEM #Inclusion #LightyearFoundation
[Image description] A group of five smiling children stand indoors, proudly holding up colourful certificates of completion. They are dressed in school uniforms and casual clothes, and appear joyful and celebratory. Behind them is a large world map on a blue wall. Overlaid at the bottom of the image is a circular logo that reads: “We are proud to be supported by the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal - Community Foundation Ireland (RCN: 20044886).” The background features faded repetition of the Lightyear logos on a purple background pattern with connected dots and the Lightyear Foundation logo appears at the bottom of the image.
October 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
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What an incredible partnership to be part of! 🌍

Planet Possibility shows what’s possible when organisations work together to make physics more inclusive.

We're proud to be partnered with them and to help open doors for more young people in STEM. 💫

🔗 www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/planet-...
[Image description] A man wearing a turquoise polo shirt stands inside a science or engineering-themed space, gesturing toward equipment and panels on the ceiling and walls. In front of him, two young people, including one wheelchair user, listen attentively. The setting appears to be an interactive STEM learning environment. The image is framed with a purple border featuring maths and science icons, and logos for Future First, Lightyear Foundation, and Planet Possibility are displayed.
October 13, 2025 at 5:48 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
The SEND in STEM Network meeting was electric!⚡

Experts from universities, medical, industrial & school labs shared ideas. From quick wins to the big policy changes for lasting impact.

Huge thanks to Dr Katherine Deane and everyone who made it a success!

Learn more: Hannah@lightyearfoundation.org
[Image description] A graphic titled “SEND in STEM Network: Making Labs Accessible with Dr Katherine Deane". The background is blue and purple with white cloud shapes and yellow molecular-style graphics. Two screenshots from an online meeting are shown. One slide reads: “2023 Lab access survey - ‘My lab broke me - I hope others are better.’” Another is titles "who am 1?" and features a collage of lab and science-related images alongside images of Dr Deane at fashion shows. The Lightyear Foundation logo appears at the bottom right.
October 10, 2025 at 5:53 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
Less than 1 week to go!

Mon 13 Oct, 6-7PM (Online/Free)

Join our first Youth Group session with mathematician & artist @ayliean.bsky.social!

Know a young person who’d love this? Please share!💜

Link here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lightyear-...

#LightyearYouthGroup #youthvoice #futureleaders #maths
Mathematician and artist Ayliean stands smiling while holding a pastel Rubik’s Cube. She has bright pink, purple, and yellow hair and wears a lilac top, silver belt with a calculator and pens, and a purple-and-lilac cape and hat. Her arm features a geometric tattoo design. The background shows a soft pastel molecule pattern. Text reads: “Lightyear Youth Group” at the top and “Mon 13 Oct 2025 | 6-7pm - Online (free, live captions)” at the bottom. A screenshot of a TikTok profile page for a user named “ayliean”. Her profile picture shows a person with long hair sitting outdoors wearing a hat and purple dress, smiling. The bio reads: “Mathematician - Artist - Professional Nerd” with a link labeled “linktr.ee/Ayliean.” The profile stats show 523 following, 90.4K followers, and 2.2M likes. Text across the middle of the image says: “Check out her Tiktok!” in purple font. The background of the image has a pastel pattern of circles connected by lines, resembling a molecular or geometric design.
October 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
Celebrating STEM Stories: Meet Francesca - Technician Commitment Manager.

Living with long-term conditions, she champions accessibility and leads the campus disability network.

Most jobs can be made accessible with the right support.

Watch her story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsyP...
October 2, 2025 at 4:55 PM
lightyear-fdn.bsky.social
Just one week to go!
SEND in STEM: Making Labs Accessible
📅 Wed 8 Oct | 4–5 PM (BST)

Featuring Dr Katherine Deane (UEA): lived experience + research expertise on inclusive labs.

Email to join or let us know you access needs: hannah@lightyearfoundation.org

#AccessibilityInSTEM #SENDinSTEMNetwork
[Image Description] A promotional graphic for the Lightyear Foundation features the text “One Week to Go! Making Labs Accessible With Dr Katherine Deane” alongside the Lightyear Foundation logo. The design has a white background with purple and yellow abstract shapes and cloud-like patterns. In the center, there is a photo of Dr Katherine Deane, who has short hair and is wearing sunglasses, a teal cardigan, and a patterned dress, sitting in a wheelchair and working on a laptop at a desk by a large window with sunlight streaming through. At the bottom, the text reads “Wed 8 Oct | 4–5 PM (BST)” and “Contact hannah@lightyearfoundation.org for more information.” Decorative yellow molecule-like icons and abstract purple curves are scattered throughout the design.
October 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM