The Foundation will award two prizes, one to a primary school teacher and one to a secondary school, college, or UTC teacher who demonstrates outstanding commitment to engineering education. Each winner receives a £3,000 personal award and £12,000 for their school to advance engineering initiatives over three years.
The prize is part of the ERA Foundation’s commitment to supporting engineering talent through education. The prize has recognized educators who go beyond standard curriculum requirements to bring engineering to life in their classrooms. Winners consistently demonstrate innovative approaches to STEM education, from developing dedicated engineering spaces and forging industry partnerships to creating hands-on learning experiences that connect theory with real-world applications.
These educators play a crucial role in addressing the UK’s engineering skills gap by inspiring students to explore engineering careers early in their academic journey. The prize’s dual focus on primary and secondary education acknowledges the importance of early engagement with engineering concepts while supporting the development of more advanced skills in later years. Through personal recognition and school funding, the prize enables winning educators to expand their initiatives and create sustainable programs that benefit future students.
“The David Clark Prize celebrates educators who transform young lives through engineering,” says Professor Sir Christopher Snowden, chairman of the ERA Foundation. “Past winners have created innovative programs that bring engineering to life in their classrooms and communities.”
The selection panel evaluates nominees based on the following:
- Vision for technology and engineering education
- Creative approaches to engaging young people
- Demonstrated success in inspiring students toward engineering careers
- Impact of contributions over the past five years
Nominations should include a 600-word submission detailing the educator’s achievements and a one-minute video highlighting their work. The panel particularly values evidence of:
- Hands-on engineering experiences
- Industry partnerships
- Student engagement initiatives
- Curriculum innovation
- Commitment to inclusivity
Previous winners have developed engineering hubs, established industry partnerships, and created immersive learning experiences that connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.
Completed nominations must be submitted to andrew.everett@erafoundation.org by Friday, March 14, 2025.
The Foundation will announce winners at the ERA Annual Dinner in June 2025.
