Preparing the next generation of changemakers with free resources

Ada Lovelace Day, that takes place on 14 October, celebrates women trailblazers in STEM. In the lead up to the day schools across the UK are reflecting on the question: how can educators prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s innovators and changemakers?

Celebrated annually to honour Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, the day shines a spotlight on women in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). It celebrates achievements and inspires the next generation to push boundaries in technology and innovation.

In a world shaped by climate change, rapid technological advances, and evolving job markets, young people need more than academic knowledge – they need confidence, creativity, collaboration, and career awareness to thrive. Supporting them in developing these skills is critical, and programmes like E.ON’s New Energy Academy are helping schools rise to the challenge.

Empowering teachers, inspiring students Celebrating its first anniversary, the New Energy Academy offers free, curriculum-linked resources for 11–14-year-olds. Developed in collaboration with practising teachers, the ready-to-use resources help schools bring sustainability, green skills, and future career opportunities to life.

The Academy is designed to save teachers time while equipping students with essential skills such as creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Beyond skills, it introduces pupils to a wide range of future-facing careers and shows students how classroom learning connects to real-world opportunities.

Curriculum alignment and career guidance

New Energy Academy resources are also aligned with the updated Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 4, and 5, helping schools meet key careers education requirements. It links curriculum to careers, using real labour market information, and creates meaningful encounters with employers.

Adopted by thousands of teachers nationwide, the Academy also addresses concerns highlighted in the 2025 Youth Voice Census, which revealed that 43 per cent of young people cite anxiety as a barrier to employment, and confidence in employability skills is declining. By embedding green skills and future careers into everyday lessons, New Energy Academy supports wellbeing and resilience while demonstrating to students how they can actively contribute to solving global challenges.

Inspiring the next generation of innovators

Ada Lovelace showed that young women could break barriers in science and technology. Today, E.ON’s New Energy Academy helps students, especially girls, see themselves as innovators in STEM and sustainability, encouraging them to explore and pursue careers that were once unimaginable.

Teachers can browse a variety of ready-to-use, engaging materials, including:

· Lesson plans and worksheets on renewable energy, climate action, and green careers.

· Interactive classroom activities that build teamwork and problem-solving skills.

· Assembly packs to inspire students and highlight real-world innovators.

· Career spotlights to connect learning with emerging jobs in STEM, sustainability, and technology.

All resources are free and easy to integrate into the curriculum, helping schools nurture confident, capable, and future-ready students. Access them here: www.eonenergy.com/new-energy-academy