The UK government is investing £8.2m into a programme aimed at boosting girls’ advanced maths skills in a bid to encourage progression into AI-related careers.
According to the Department for Education (DfE), only a fifth (22%) of AI-related roles such as data scientist and software engineer are currently filled by women.
The £8.2m will provide support to around 7,500 secondary school-aged girls at 400 of the most disadvantaged schools in England.
The government said that this would help break the link “between background and success”, giving more young people the chance to flourish.
As part of a revamped Advanced Maths Support Programme, the funding will go towards both teacher training and “student enrichment courses” centred on the key maths concepts and skills required for working with AI.
The DfE said that the pilot teacher training courses would benefit 360 teachers from September of this year.
The student enrichment courses will directly benefit 450 students from this year, with more set to benefit from the improved knowledge of the teachers.
Panel looking at other educational changes needed to grow AI talent
The government said that it marked a “crucial step” in its AI Action Plan, which aims to create a strong and diverse pipeline of talent for this key emerging sector.
The refreshed Advanced Maths Support Programme is not the only change that the government is likely to make as it looks to position the UK as a leader in AI technology.
The Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group is bringing together a group of experts from organisations including University College London and the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre at the University of Cambridge.
The group is looking to advise on changes needed to improve digital education and provide AI-specific skills within the education system from 5 to 18 years old.
One recommendation already made by the group is to encourage more girls into AI careers via accessible maths education.
The new investment is part of the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to ensure equal access to education regardless of background or location.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said of the new funding and revamped programme: “Today’s brightest maths minds are tomorrow’s AI pioneers, and this government is opening the door for groups who have so far been left behind in the AI revolution.”
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