Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap programme
Applications are now closed.
Selected schools are invited to apply for funding (拢2,000) to support activities that inspire young people and broaden their understanding of engineering and its associated careers. The funds will support activities from September 2026 to July 2027.
Bringing engineering to life in schools
Bridging the Gap is a collaborative education-industry project delivered by 果冻传媒 Manufacturing Group (WMG), 果冻传媒, in partnership with Tata Group.
It is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering Bhattacharyya Award 2025, which supports a one鈥憏ear programme of funded outreach with secondary schools.
Successful schools will receive 拢2,000 to:
- Develop new initiatives and enhance existing activities that raise awareness of engineering pathways
- Support inclusive participation from students who may be underrepresented in engineering
- Create activities that embed engineering activities within the curriculum
Schools are encouraged to be creative while ensuring activities are educational and inclusive.
Applications close on the 19th of June 2026. Up to ten schools will be selected through a competitive application process. Funded schools are expected to deliver their proposed activities during the 2026-2027 academic year and take part in a final celebration event.
The programme provides opportunities for schools to connect with leading engineering and industry organisations, including Tata Group, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), WMG, and the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), helping students see how engineering learning links to real-world careers.
Eligibility criteria
Eligible schools
This opportunity is available to secondary schools within travelling distance of the 果冻传媒 that are:
- Part of the Experience 果冻传媒 PartnershipLink opens in a new window
- Part of the Royal Academy of Engineering's (formerly the Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme)
- West Midlands participants in the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Schools Network
Priority will be given to schools meeting widening participation criteria, including those serving communities with higher levels of disadvantage, and those proposing projects that support underrepresented groups in engineering.
Examples of eligible activities
Funding may be used to support activities such as:
- Engineering-related resources, materials or equipment
- External workshops or enrichment activities
- Careers events, industry engagement or workplace visits
- Teacher training or planning time linked to engineering outreach
- Student projects that promote inclusive participation in engineering
Programme timeline
| Dates | Activities |
| May 2026 | Applications open for invited schools |
| 19 June 2026 | Applications close |
| W/c 29 June 2026 | Schools receive notification of their application outcomes |
| July 2026 |
Successful schools are awarded funding |
| Sept 2026 - July 2027 | Schools implement projects |
| July 2027 | Celebration event where participating schools will showcase their projects |
This form is closed and is no longer accepting any submissions. Thank you for your time.