Former student wins Point of Light Award for outstanding work in the community

: Created: 25 February 2019

Amy King and mother Nickie are the co-founders of GlamSci, a charity that encourages more young women and people from disadvantaged backgrounds to study and forge themselves exciting careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The two travel the UK and further afield promoting the subjects through public talks, forums and science fairs offering careers advice, practical workshops, university application tips, mentoring and work placements. GlamSci has gone from strength to strength over the past five years providing education, training and advice and online services to more than 6,000 young people nationally and internationally.

Their award was received by Amy and Nickie on International Day of Women and Girls in Science this February and came with a very special signed letter. In it, the Prime Minister writes: “Your work is making a real difference throughout local communities in the UK and provides invaluable support to young people, especially young women facing barriers to education in STEM subjects.

“Up and down the country, volunteers like you are helping to build a country that works for everyone. The Point of Light Award is a small thank you on behalf of the whole country in recognition of your exceptional service.”

Delighted with the unexpected kudos, Amy said: “This has come as quite a shock to both of us. It isn’t every day you receive a letter from Downing Street thanking you for your work. When mum and I started GlamSci, we had no idea that it would take off in such a way and become so successful. Here we are, years later still doing the thing we love most in life - helping young people to recognise and unleash their hidden talents and consider careers in subjects that they had previously believed weren’t available to them. To be recognised by such high office for the support we give learners, makes all the work we have done even more worthwhile.”

Mum Nickie added: “I think this award validates what we do to do change people’s lives and inspire them to achieve in such a vital range of subjects. I consider myself very lucky to have a job working with my own daughter doing something we both love and I’m very proud to receive the recognition of such a prestigious award.”