Hall Green School is a secondary school located in Birmingham, with a track record of high standards and inclusivity for pupils of all backgrounds and abilities.

The challenge

The school’s budget had  become stretched with increasingly less money available for significant investment in equipment. They realised that, even with a money-saving plan, only basic equipment could be purchased which risked leaving their pupils uninspired.

Hall Green wanted to use the Millennium Point Trust Grant to fund their STEM week. Their aim was to inspire young people to learn about STEM careers such as engineering, science and other jobs that they may have never thought were accessible to them.

What impact has it made?

The Grant paid for workshops throughout the week including hiring a planetarium so students could travel through the stars in an immersive environment.

Hall Green School also launched a stargazing club for interested students who could learn about space, physics, and other astronomy topics.

Tying in with STEM week the school ran a competition to create a project on space with STEM prizes on offer. Talented students created posters, dioramas, and essays all around space and technology. The winner created a model of an astronaut walking on the moon and wrote a story about an alien visiting Earth for the first time. Four talented runners up also won prizes including a telescope, museum tickets and a light-up model of the moon.

Why did they receive a Grant?

When visiting Hall Green it was instantly reaffirmed why they deserved the Grant. The teachers who were strong ambassadors of STEM wanted to promote why knowing about space was important in the curriculum. They spoke about how in the future there is a possibility that people will visit the Moon again, as well as potentially voyage to Mars. This generation of students will most likely be the people working on these projects in their careers, heightening the importance of teaching it as a career option and school topic now.

Discover more about Millennium Point Trust

Our multi-award-winning charitable trust invests more than £3m each year towards furthering STEM education within the West Midlands.

Over the years we have provided funding to Scholarships, Grants and projects that benefit the region. Find out more about our Trust in our brand new brochure here.

Applications are open for our life changing Scholarship programme. The programme, now in its ninth year, offers one lucky undergraduate complete funding for their degree, from a choice of over 20 courses at the faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Birmingham City University.

With many courses to choose from, we understand there’s a lot to take in, below we have broken these down to give you an insight into what’s available and what career paths you can take with each subject.

Engineering

A degree in engineering welcomes you to an ever evolving and diverse industry. This exciting opportunity offers lots of career paths where you can innovate and shape the world we live in.

Engineering courses available:

Digital Technology

The digital industry is forever evolving, offering lots of opportunities within the film industry, gaming, music and visual effects. If you’re creative and like being at the centre of digital innovation, a career in digital technology is for you.

Digital Technology courses available:

Computing

Computing is at the centre of most industries in some shape or form. With this brings multiple opportunities across a number of computing specialisms, ranging from computer science to digital forensics.

Computing courses available:

Built Environment

Birmingham has seen some exciting developments over recent years, with plenty more in the pipeline. Want to be part of future planning and developments that innovate and enhance cities across the UK? Then a career in Built Environment is just for you.

Built Environment courses available:

Begin your journey by applying for a Scholarship

Applications are straight forward and can be done by visiting our dedicated application page here. In order to apply you must live in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and be 18 years of age by, and looking to start an undergraduate degree in September 2023. Applications close on Friday 17th March 2023.

Our team are here to help every step of the way

We want everyone to have the best chance of success when applying for our Scholarship scheme, and realise ‘bigging yourself up’ can be a little daunting. That’s why we have created a helpful guide to aid you through your application.

You can always contact our friendly Trust team for any other enquiries you may have.

It’s already widely known that females are massively underrepresented in STEM education, but what is being done to change this? Currently females make up 28% of the science, engineering, technology and maths workforce, highlighting that males outnumber females in the STEM industry.

What is STEM Education?

STEM education is all about teaching students science, technology, engineering and maths.

Rather than teaching these subjects separately, STEM uses a combined applied approach to encourage and better equip students to consider careers within STEM.

Why is there a lack of females in STEM Education?

There is a noticeable difference between the amount of females and males in STEM education that decreases continually after GCSE level education. After GCSEs, only 35% of females choose to study STEM subjects, with this decreasing to 25% of females choosing to study them at university.

Students, and people more generally, are often misled into thinking that STEM subjects are ‘meant for boys’ which can therefore be off-putting for girls to apply for or sit in classes where they may be one of a few girls or even the only girl in the class.

How can we change this and encourage more girls to apply for STEM subjects and consider a career in the industry?

Improve job satisfaction

Research shows that 1 in 10 girls want a job that makes a contribution to society. Due to this, more should be done to highlight that studying STEM subjects can lead to a career where girls can meet their ambitions to make a contribution to society. This will help close the gender gap by encouraging more girls to study STEM subjects relating to their aspirations.

Showcase more role models in STEM industries

Showcasing more female role models in STEM industries will help encourage girls to consider STEM subjects and careers as they can be inspired by someone more like them. This could be done by including more female role models in school career days.

Furthermore, universities could have more female lecturers, helping encourage girls to pursue university degrees, by providing a female role model that understands the career path they want to pursue.

What problems do females face in STEM industries?

Over half of females in a male dominated STEM workplace have felt some kind of discrimination while at work.

Furthermore, 1 in 5 women stated that, before the Me Too movement, they felt being female had held them back from succeeding at work and gaining promotions.

Women also face problems such as:

What can education and not for profit leaders do to close the gender gap?

Education and not for profit leaders can make small changes to the way schools deliver STEM education to females to help close the gender gap.

For example education and not for profit  leaders could:

Generate excitement

Generating excitement around the creative opportunities STEM education can give to females could help encourage them to further study science, technology, engineering and maths.

Excitement can be generated by:

Provide hands-on experience

With 47% of women saying they learn best with hands-on experience, it’s important to mix theory with hands-on learning. This allows all types of learners to access teaching in the way that best suits them, helping them thrive in STEM education and making them more likely to study these subjects in further education.

Hands on experience can be provided by:

Encourage a growth mindset

Encouraging a growth mindset among both students and teachers will help to open doors into the STEM industry and encourage teachers to do more to support students going into STEM related subjects.

Encouraging a growth mindset could be done by:

How have female positions in STEM education changed since 2015?

In physical sciences and engineering and tech, the percentage of female graduates has increased since 2015, however there has only been a tiny improvement. Similarly, female graduates in mathematical sciences decreased by 1% in 2018/2019 compared to 2015/16. However, female graduates in computer science dropped between 2016 and 2017, but increased to 16% of graduates in 2018/2019.

While it’s great that we’re seeing an increase in female graduates in STEM related subjects, it’s clear that there’s a lot more educators and not for profit organisations can be doing to help encourage more females to enter STEM related subjects.

How can Millennium Point help close the gender gap in STEM education?

The Millennium Point Charitable Trust has created the STEM roundtable to help bring together STEM industries, primary and secondary education, further education and not-for-profits in STEM sectors.

What’s the purpose of the working group?

Millennium Point’s 2024 Scholarship application is now open. For more information on how to apply or get involved in the Scholarship program please visit www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/scholarship.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we thought we would share our special offer to treat that special person in your life this year.

Whether it’s a friend, partner, or family, purchase tickets to our Greatest Showman with Wine event before the 17th February and we’ll give each guest a mini bottle of prosecco to enjoy before the event. What’s not to love?

Millennium Point have once again teamed up with innovative event specialists The Wine & Events Company to present a fun and unique showing of the smash hit musical, The Greatest Showman, alongside five wines and a very big screen.

Tickets are just £33.95 (plus fees) and takes place Saturday 22nd April at 7pm and available for purchase on Eventbrite.

 ‘So why don’t we rewrite the stars?’

Orphaned, penniless, but ambitious -and with a mind crammed with imagination and fresh ideas, the American entertainer, Phineas Taylor Barnum (Hugh Jackman), will always be remembered as the Mn with the gift to blue the line between reality and fiction. Thirsty for innovation and hungry for success, the son of a tailor manages to open a wax museum; however, he soon shifts focus to the unique and the peculiar, introducing extraordinary, never-seen-before, live acts on the circus stage. Now, some people call Barnum’s rich collection of oddities, an outright freakshow, but when Phineas, obsessed for cheers and respectability, gambles everything on the opera singer, Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson), to appeal to a high-brow audience, he will lose sight of the most crucial aspect of his life, his family. Will Barnum, the greatest showman, risk it all to be accepted?

‘I wish for happiness like this forever’, you after five wines, probably

Tickets are priced at £33.95 (plus fees) and you’ll get more than just a screening!

The Greatest Showman on a very big screen

Hosted in our giant screen Auditorium – previously the region’s biggest and best IMAX – our host Tony Elvin, from film geeks The Wine and Events Company, will be providing entertainment and movie trivia throughout. For example, did you know Zendaya did all her own trapeze stunts? We definitely won’t be trying that on the night!

Along with all of this, the film will be paused at intervals so you can enjoy five themed wines.

Getting to Millennium Point

Millennium Point is in the Eastside of Birmingham City Centre just 5 minutes’ walk from Moor Street and 15 minutes’ walk from Grand Central and the tram. There is also limited parking on-site which means we’re easy to get to regardless of how you travel. For more information, please click here.

Feel the love this Valentines Day when booking your event with 20% off room hire when booking with Millennium Point.

With a versatile range of both public and private spaces for hire, Millennium Point is the ideal location for exhibition and networking, launches and banqueting, and interviews and performances. The five-storey central Atrium provides a modern public setting with high footfall, whilst connect provides a discreet setting for private meetings and events, and our auditorium is the perfect location for film screenings, award ceremonies, conferences, lectures, product launches, and AGM’s.

T&C’s – Event bookings must take place between 10th July and 30th September 2023. All bookings must be confirmed by the 31st March 2023. To apply the discount quote MPLOVE23 in your enquiry. 

Loved by our customers, Auditorium

A great alternative to cabaret and accommodating up to 354 delegates, Auditorium at Millennium Point is the perfect location for conferences, lectures, product launches, AGM’s, award ceremonies and film screenings. Featuring a 30m2 stage and a giant screen with a projector that can show up to 4k, this space is perfect for making a big impression. With tiered seating, your guests will always have clear sight of the stage ensuring they won’t miss anything during your event.

The space has multiple branding opportunities such as changing light settings to match your brand colours to truly make it tailored to you. In addition to your booking add digital screen sets to your event to really promote your brand during the event.

Auditorium is also equipped with the latest range of hybrid and live streaming capabilities. By choosing the Auditorium Hybrid Conference package you widen the scope, impact, and profit of your event by increasing the number of delegates beyond the physical capacity of the venue. Your event can reach out to new audiences who can engage with your event wherever they are around the globe.

Ask a member of our friendly events team for a site visit and bring your laptop, we guarantee that seeing your content on our giant screen will blow your mind.

Build a partnership in Connect

Connect is a mini venue all on its own. There is Connect Event Space and Connect 1-3. Hire them all or pick and choose what works for your event.

Connect Event Space is a truly flexible approach to meetings and conferences, Connect Event Space provides the latest in AV and presentation facilities and high speed wi-fi for up to 85 guests. There are different set ups available and seating arrangements allowing you to be able to reach your audience how you want.

The retractable walls ensure you can create the ideal solution for presentations, meetings, workshops, training, and away days.

On the opposite side of the welcome space is the flexible Connect 1-3 Meeting Rooms. They offer a high-end environment for a range of events including board meetings, interviews, seminars, and away days. The three interconnected rooms offer a selection of layouts for up to 40 guests as well as benefiting from integrated screen and presentation facilities. Moveable walls allow you to create the space you need for your event; each section has their own doors and presentation facilities.

Impress your guests in Atrium

Atrium is a visually impressive, open-plan public space, ideal for exhibitions, career fairs, product displays, brand activation and pop-up performances. Located on the ground floor of Millennium Point, the 420 square metre contemporary space provides the perfect backdrop for your event.

Atrium is perfect for exhibition stands creating a nice space for footfall to flow through. Previous events have seen footfall of 2,000 in one day, giving your event the exposure to make it an event to remember.  Atrium can host up to 50 exhibition stands, 350 banqueting or 500 standing.

Truly versatile, depending on when you book your event, Atrium will give guests a different experience. In the past Atrium has been home to a 39ft Christmas tree, creating the perfect scene for festive and end of year events. More recently a seven meter in diameter art installation of the world gave guests an out of this world experience. These are just some of the things Millennium Point do to give your events the extra wow factor. But at its core, Atrium can be customised and transformed to make your event your very own.

Let’s talk

Millennium Point offer a range of flexible packages to suit the requirements, scale, and budget of clients, including healthier and more sustainable catering options.

With over 40 years combined experience, the events team ensures clients are supported for a smooth experience from start to finish.

Get in touch with the team today by emailing e[email protected] or call on 0121 202 2200 and see how they can make your next event a success.

Bursaries and scholarships are both great ways to support students financially while they’re at university, however bursaries and scholarships are often confused as being the same thing.

Both scholarships and bursaries are given out to help students financially without the need for them to pay them back.

This blog will explore the difference between a scholarship and a bursary and how you can make the most of them.

What’s a scholarship? 

Scholarships usually come from independent third parties and universities to help students accelerate their education by offering financial aid. They often place focus on academic excellence. 

Eligibility may include: 

What’s a bursary? 

Bursaries are usually offered to those with financial needs to help cover education costs or one off payments to help with living costs.

Criteria students need to meet to receive a bursary:

Despite this criteria, some bursaries may not be available to:

Tips on applying for a scholarship or bursary

Applying for a scholarship or bursary can be very stressful, as you want to get everything right. But with these 7 tips, you’ll find applying for a scholarship or bursary easier than ever.

Consider your chances 

When applying for a scholarship or bursary it’s important to consider your chances. For example, if your parents earn a high income you’re unlikely to receive a bursary. However you may be eligible for scholarships relating to academic or musical achievements. 

You should also look at the value of the award and how many are available, to help you understand how likely you are to receive it. 

Check if you need to apply and whether there’s a deadline

Scholarships often require you to fill out an application to see whether you’re eligible and a good fit for the award. However bursaries tend to be automatically awarded as a result of personal circumstances or grade achievements.

If you need to fill out an application for an award, then you’re likely to need to have a place confirmed at a university. Due to this you should keep an eye on application deadlines to ensure you apply on time and give yourself the best possible chance.

Look at key dates and when you may be successful

When you’re applying to a scholarship you should look at the eligibility, how to apply and when you’re meant to hear if you’re successful. 

In terms of bursaries depending on income or personal circumstances, you’re likely to know whether you’re eligible for a bursary when you get your student finance assessment. 

Share your information with student finance

When you apply for your student loan you should tick the box that allows student finance to share your information with universities. This allows them to judge whether you’re eligible for any scholarships or bursaries. 

Look out for other opportunities

You can keep an eye out for any new scholarships or bursaries when you visit university open days or interviews. Clearing is also a great time to look out for scholarships or bursaries as some universities may make increases to fill application places. 

Take pride in your application

When completing an application it’s important that you take the time and effort to fill it out properly. You should check for any errors and ensure you answer all questions honestly and accurately. 

Furthermore, if you’re having difficulty answering or understanding any questions in the application, there’s no harm in contacting the university or provider for help.

Be realistic

When applying or thinking about applying for a bursary or grant you should consider whether you want to attend a university because you like it or because you like the award they offer. If it’s the latter, it isn’t wise to attend a university you’re not interested in and you should consider other options.

Types of scholarship or bursary

Scholarships are usually awarded for merit based and talent based achievements, whereas bursaries are usually awarded on a need basis.

Types of scholarships

Types of bursary

Benefits

Scholarships tend to offer an automatic reduction or cover entire tuition fees and can also offer discounts alongside annual, term-wise or one-off payments for living costs. 

Whereas bursaries offer money to cover education costs or one off payments to help with living costs.

Despite scholarships and bursaries offering awards for different reasons they have a number of similar benefits, such as:

Millennium Point’s scholarship

Millennium Point Trust has partnered with Birmingham City University to offer a scholarship where one undergraduate degree is paid for each year. 

With over 20 courses included in the scholarship there’s lots to choose from. However the application deadline closes on the 17th March 2023. To apply for the scholarship, visit our website today.

How to apply

You’re eligible to apply to the scholarship if you’re 18 and planning on starting university by September 2023. You must be within the West Midlands Combined Authority and looking to start a degree included within the scholarship list.

Eligible degree courses include:

Engineering

Built environment

Digital Technology

Computing

The application has two stages with the second stage being an assessment day where you’ll participate in developmental workshops. 

For further advice on applying for a scholarship, read our helpful guide here.

Millennium Point have once again teamed up with innovative event specialists The Wine & Events Company to present a fun and unique showing of the smash-hit musical, The Greatest Showman, alongside five themed wines, entertainment and a very big screen.

Tickets are just £33.95 (plus fees) and takes place Saturday 22nd April at 7pm.

Grab your tickets from Eventbrite before they sell out!

‘So why don’t we rewrite the stars?’

Orphaned, penniless, but ambitious -and with a mind crammed with imagination and fresh ideas, the American entertainer, Phineas Taylor Barnum (Hugh Jackman), will always be remembered as the Man with the gift to blur the line between reality and fiction. Thirsty for innovation and hungry for success, the son of a tailor manages to open a wax museum; however, he soon shifts focus to the unique and the peculiar, introducing extraordinary, never-seen-before, live acts on the circus stage. Now, some people call Barnum’s rich collection of oddities, an outright freakshow, but when Phineas, obsessed for cheers and respectability, gambles everything on the opera singer, Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson), to appeal to a high-brow audience, he will lose sight of the most crucial aspect of his life, his family. Will Barnum, the greatest showman, risk it all to be accepted?

‘I wish for happiness like this forever’, you after five wines, probably

Tickets are priced at £33.95 (plus fees) and you’ll get more than just a screening!

The Greatest Showman on a very big screen

Hosted in our giant screen Auditorium – previously the region’s biggest and best IMAX – our host Tony Elvin, from film geeks The Wine and Events Company, will be providing entertainment and movie trivia throughout. For example, did you know Zendaya did all her own trapeze stunts? We definitely won’t be trying that on the night!

Along with all of this, the film will be paused at intervals so you can enjoy five themed wines.

Our movie and cocktail events are not to be missed!

Check out one of our last ones of the eighties classic Dirty Dancing below. Guests had the time of their lives with a live band, themed cocktails, and movie trivia with host Tony Elvin.

Getting to Millennium Point

Millennium Point is in the Eastside of Birmingham City Centre just 5 minutes’ walk from Moor Street and 15 minutes’ walk from Grand Central and the tram. There is also limited parking on-site which means we’re easy to get to regardless of how you travel. For more information, please click here.

Background

The Dorothy Parkes Centre is an award-winning community centre based in Smethwick, an area in the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell in the West Midlands. They provide a safe place of welcome and opportunity for the local and wider community.

There is a variety of groups, classes, and activities that are available at the centre which all aim to help tackle local issues.

Aim of the project

The Centre had the aim to deliver eight science shows, during the school holidays over a twelve-month period and engage an audience who would not normally participate in learning in environments like this. The three-hour long sessions were themed around seasonal times of the year. They were led by science communicators from award-winning STEM organisation Femtinos.

Continuing, the aim with the project was to also raise the profile of STEM skills and careers. Dorothy Parkes thought that the members of the local community did not know the value of STEM and how it was linked to a diverse range of careers.

What impact has it made?

A £20,000 grant was awarded to Dorothy Parkes Centre. The project was popular in the area with a range of events happening throughout the year. Halloween, Easter & Commonwealth were all fun and interesting themes to engage the young community. Each session welcomed 50 young people and 50 parents to take part.

To build on the grants legacy, sessions were filmed and then uploaded to YouTube for wider audiences to view and the accessibility to do it from home.

‘We are delighted to have had the opportunity to run this project for the last twelve months. The quality of the shows and the feedback received was fantastic and it will be missed. A lot of families commented on what a great offer it was during the school holidays and the fact it was educational helped the children and even some of the parents.’

Why did they receive the grant?

The centre wanted the local community to view the centre as a one stop hub for the community. STEM was completely missing from the schedule and they hope they can continue the sessions for the wider community.

The project application was all about the advancement of STEM and education for the public benefit within the Smethwick area of Sandwell. The Dorothy Parkes Centre wanted to address the STEM skills gap through education and re-education of STEM skills for children and parents.

One of the biggest vintage kilo sales in Birmingham is back again at Millennium Point. Visit and shop tonnes of sustainable, vintage, retro, and branded fashion for just £20 per kilo, taking place Saturday 4th February 2022.

That’s not all, between 3-4pm the price per kilo will drop to £15, and by then it’s free entry – bargain! Your ticket is valid throughout the day, and fresh stock will be added at regular intervals. That means you can take a break and recharge at Mulino Café on level 2 of Millennium Point before hunting for your next favourite outfit.

You can book your ticket here.

Get stuck in and have a good rummage at the Kilo Sale

This is a rummage event which means each rail is divided into product type categories, like shirts or sweatshirts, jackets, or T’s. Just get stuck in and see what you can find.

As the items are pre-loved, and Kilo Birmingham try to keep the stock price as low as they can, you may find the odd snag or a missing button. Our advice is to find your outfit, save money, and repair!

You can also pre-buy vouchers and gift vouchers for the event, we can’t think of a better gift for a vintage fashionista. The event will also accept cash, card, Apple pay, and Google pay.

Why buy second hand?

At Kilo, they believe that style is eternal, and your clothes should be too. By shopping from the past, we can be kind to the future and help to reduce fashion’s impact on the planet. Each year, 350,000 tonnes of clothing go to the landfill in the UK. There’s so much amazing fashion already in existence, so let’s make use of what we’ve got and shop second hand.

How Millennium Point is becoming more sustainable

As a multi-award-winning landmark building, it is vital to do our part to aim to be as sustainable as possible. As times have changed, Millennium Point have adapted to try and become greener to protect our planet and promote the importance of sustainability.

A range of processes have been put in place to ensure we aren’t wasteful or adding to our carbon footprint. We have energy management and the journey to net zero carbon at the heart of all our decisions. We try not to create waste but when we do, we segregate and recycle as much as we can. Lastly, for our events we encourage staff, tenants, and visitors to make green travel choices where they can.

Can’t make the event? You can still discover your new style and buy online at Kilo

Shopping sustainably has never been easier; Kilo also has the option to shop online. Choose from a range of branded t’s, denim shirts, jeans, and skirts.

Or visit their website and find out when your next Kilo event is happening, their team are always buying fresh stock so you can always be spoilt for choice at their events.

Millennium Point always have something going on!

Keep up to date with the latest Millennium Point news and events. We can’t wait to welcome you to our landmark building!

Going to university can be really expensive and it can be really hard to fund your university experience. However, scholarships are a great way to help students by supporting them financially. 

If you’re a student and looking for extra financial support during your university years, you may have assumed that you’re not eligible for a scholarship, however you may be surprised at the types of scholarships some organisations offer.

This blog will explore everything you need to know about scholarships and how you can apply.

What is a scholarship?

Scholarships are a form of financial aid given to students to help accelerate their education. They usually come from independent third parties and universities and students don’t need to pay them back.

Who can apply for a scholarship?

There are various reasons why you may be able to apply for a scholarship, including:

Types of scholarships you can apply for

It’s often assumed that scholarships are only for typically academic subjects, however this isn’t true. Scholarships are available for a variety of reasons and subjects.

Here are some examples of the types of scholarships available:

Scholarships at Millennium Point 

Millennium Point has partnered with Birmingham City University to give a fully funded Undergraduate degree at their Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

Visit our website to apply for the 2023/2024 applications today.

Key dates 

What courses are included?

Multiple courses are included in our scholarship partnership with Birmingham City University, such as:

Are you eligible?

To be eligible for our scholarship you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

How can you apply for the scholarship?

You are currently able to apply for the scholarship through our online application form. The form will consist of a few questions about you and why you think you should be chosen for our scholarship in partnership with Birmingham City University. 

The application process has two stages, with the final stage being an assessment day and the chosen candidate getting their university tuition paid for in the form of a grant.

Visit our website today to learn more about the application process and whether you’re eligible.