Millennium Point isn’t just a venue — it’s a vibrant hub that brings Birmingham’s community together. From blockbuster film screenings (on the city’s biggest screen, no less) to science fairs and family-friendly events, Millennium Point has something for everyone.

As a not-for-profit organisation, our team is dedicated to creating memorable experiences while giving back to the city we love. Here’s why you should visit.

1. A space for everyone

Whether you’re a film buff, a science enthusiast, or a parent looking for something fun to do with the kids, Millennium Point offers a range of public events throughout the year. Our spaces are designed to inspire and engage, blending education with entertainment in a way that’s accessible to all.

2. Bringing Birmingham together

Millennium Point isn’t just about big events — it’s also about making connections. Our spacious Atrium has hosted everything from artisan markets to cultural showcases, giving local creators and performers a platform to shine. We also work hard to support local, independent businesses.

3. A Venue with purpose

When you attend an event at Millennium Point, you’re contributing to something bigger. All profits from public events go directly into funding STEM education and local community projects. Every ticket bought helps to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Birmingham.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest updates—we’re always adding new events!

Visit us and get involved

Millennium Point is more than a venue—it’s your venue. Whether you’re attending or organising an event, or simply exploring our iconic space, you’re part of a community that values learning, creativity, and fun.

Ready to join the action? Check out our events calendar and discover what’s happening next. 

Millennium Point Trust is more than just a name; it actively has an impact on Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a charity committed to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Trust channels revenue generated by Millennium Point into local initiatives, projects, and partnerships. Here’s how Millennium Point Trust makes an impact:

1. Funding STEM education for the future

At the heart of our Trust’s mission is a commitment to supporting STEM education. Each year, the Trust awards grants to schools, colleges, and organisations to fund innovative STEM projects. From robotics kits to science workshops, these grants provide young people with hands-on experiences that ignite a passion for learning and inspire future careers.

 

2. Empowering underrepresented groups

The Trust works to ensure STEM is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. By funding initiatives that target underrepresented groups, the Trust helps to break down barriers and create opportunities for all. This focus on inclusivity boosts the STEM landscape and ensures no talent is left ignored.

3. Supporting local organisations

Collaboration is vital for creating meaningful change, and Millennium Point Trust is proud to work with local charities, schools, and community groups. These partnerships enable the delivery of projects that make an impact, from after-school STEM clubs to community events that engage families in science and technology.

4. Encouraging innovation in education

Education doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. The Trust funds creative projects that make STEM subjects exciting and relevant. Whether it’s building solar-powered models or exploring the principles of coding through gaming, these initiatives help students connect STEM to real-world applications.

5. A venue with a purpose

When you book an event at Millennium Point, you’re contributing directly to the Trust’s work. Revenue generated by venue hire is reinvested into the community, funding projects that make a real difference. By choosing Millennium Point, businesses and individuals play a part in creating a brighter future for Birmingham.

6. Inspiring the next generation

Through its work, the Trust inspires young people to see the potential of STEM. By providing access to resources, experiences, and mentorship, the Trust helps young minds imagine themselves as the engineers, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow.

7. Driving regional growth

Investing in STEM isn’t just about education; it’s about supporting the economic and social development of the West Midlands. By giving young people the skills needed for high-demand jobs, the Trust plays a role in shaping the region’s workforce and driving its growth as a hub for innovation.

Millennium Point Trust has already made a significant difference, awarding over £40 million in funding since its inception. Its projects have reached thousands of young people, sparking curiosity and ambition across Birmingham and beyond. The Trust’s ongoing commitment ensures that this impact will continue to grow in the years to come.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are the backbone of innovation. From the devices we use daily to breakthroughs that positively impact global challenges, STEM touches every aspect of our lives.

At Millennium Point, we’re passionate about fostering STEM education and ensuring it’s a priority for young minds. Here’s why we think STEM education is vital, and how it shapes the future.

1. Preparing for in-demand careers

The job market is evolving fast, with many growing roles requiring STEM skills. Technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are all booming, for example, creating countless opportunities for those with the right expertise. Equipping students with STEM knowledge now means they’ll be ready to fill the big roles of the future.

2. Problem-solving and critical thinking

STEM subjects go beyond theories and equations — they teach valuable life skills. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and creativity are at the root of STEM education. Such skills help students tackle challenges not only in their studies but also in everyday life and future workplaces.

3. Innovation and progress

STEM is at the forefront of innovation. Advances in medicine, space exploration, and sustainable technologies are all thanks to STEM professionals. By investing in STEM education, we can inspire the next generation of pioneers who push the boundaries of what’s possible.

4. Diversity in STEM fields

Historically, STEM fields have lacked diversity, with women and underrepresented groups facing barriers to entry. STEM education provides an opportunity to level the playing field by encouraging inclusivity from an early age. Initiatives like those supported by Millennium Point aim to make STEM accessible to all, ensuring a richer, more diverse talent pool for the future.

5. Addressing global challenges

From climate change to public health crises, many of today’s biggest challenges require STEM solutions. Education in these areas empowers young people to contribute to meaningful work, whether that’s developing renewable energy sources or leading on medical research.

6. Love for learning

STEM subjects ignite curiosity. Hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world applications make learning engaging and exciting. By encouraging a love for discovery, STEM education keeps students motivated and encourages lifelong learning.

7. Supporting economic growth

A strong STEM workforce is crucial for economic development. Countries with thriving STEM industries enjoy greater innovation, competitiveness, and productivity. Investing in STEM education is not just about individual success — it’s about securing a better future for society as a whole.

Millennium Point’s role in STEM education

Millennium Point is dedicated to supporting STEM education through funding, partnerships, and public engagement. From hosting interactive STEM events to providing grants for schools and local projects, we’re committed to inspiring the next generation. Every booking at Millennium Point contributes to this mission, enabling us to champion STEM initiatives across Birmingham and beyond.

This year’s scholarship applications are now open for applicants to embark on a new educational journey into the world of STEM. In partnership with Birmingham City University (BCU), each year Millennium Point Trust fund an undergraduate degree at the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment facility.

Our scholarship programme has over 20 courses to choose from. Applications are now open, with a deadline of Friday 7th March 2025 at 5pm, allowing you plenty of time to complete your application.

Meet Patrick, last year’s Scholarship winner

Patrick is the tenth local student to benefit from the Scholarship scheme, which is run in partnership with the university. He wowed judges with his vision for creating affordable housing for all, and now is closer to making his ideas a reality as he will go on to study Real Estate at BCU.

Patrick commented: “I am over the moon to have won the Millennium Point Scholarship! I am really excited about starting my degree in Real Estate, and hopefully using it to help other young people whose housing ambitions have been impacted by the current financial crisis.”

Applying is easy and simple

The competition is open to you if you are 18 by, and looking to start an undergraduate degree in September 2025 and live within the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Read the application form carefully and start to answer each question. Think about why you want to study your chosen degree and what you want to do in the future. Also discuss any personal attributes and skills that could help you be the next winner of the Scholarship.

The application has two-stages, with the final stage being an assessment day in May. Finalists will be invited to participate in developmental workshops that will focus on supporting our personal development and professionalism in both interview and presentation skills.

We are here to help you every step of the way

We want everyone to have the best chance of success when applying for our scholarship scheme, so it is important to be confident when writing your application. That’s why we have created a helpful guide to aid throughout your application. Keep an eye out on our social media channels as well as our website for blogs, videos for additional resources to further assist you.

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

Apply today for a life-changing opportunity

Our applications are now open with the deadline on Friday 7th March 2025 at 5pm, so apply now and start your journey into the world of STEM.

In light of our recent scholarship launch, we understand that finding the motivation to apply can be challenging. However, let these stories of these talented professionals serve as inspiration for you to embark into the world of STEM and push yourself to achieve new heights.

Annie Easley – The Human Computer

At the time, Easley was looking for a job after relocating when she discovered an article about two sisters who were “human computers” at the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio. Two weeks later, after the reading the article, Easley began her career that spanned across 34 years, contributing to numerous programs as a computer scientist.

Easley’s career involved analysing problems and solving complexed mathematical calculations by hand, awarding her with the title of human computer. Easley would go on to break barriers for women and people of colour, inspiring them to pursue STEM opportunities.

Gitanjali Rao – American’s Top Youngest Scientist 2017

Inspired by the Flint Michigan water crisis, Rao invented a life-changing device that can detect lead in water at the age of 11. Rao’s dedication to her work earned her a place in the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30. In recent years, Rao has been taking part in the research of cell biology at the University of Colorado, using the latest genetic engineering to find a solution to prescription opioid addiction epidemic.

Rao is an active STEM ambassador, inspiring young people by promoting STEM-based activities in schools and the community. Rao continues to affect students globally by sharing her knowledge, tools, and encouragement.

Morris Mbetsa – Africa’s First Flying Taxi

Morris, a self-taught engineer, created an innovative solution to Africa’s traffic and poor road infrastructure issues. At the age of 28, Morris manufactured Africa’s first flying taxi. This drone transports passengers for around 25 minutes, and at speeds of up to 120km an hour. The young entrepreneur uses his talents to generate easy-to-use, inexpensive technological solutions that are accessible to his community.

At the young age of 6, Morris discovered his passion for technology, as he has stated on The Kenyan network K24, “Technology is my life. I never watched football while growing up. My room was full of electronics and wires.”

Ronjon Nag – Smartphone Pioneer

Shortly after becoming a newly graduate, Nag invented breakthrough technology for smart devices such as handwriting recognition, predictive text, application of speech recognition and touch screens for mobile devices. He later went on to become the founder of R42 institute, a US and UK-based company that invents and invests in AI and Biotech.

Nag has gone to work with big names such as Apple, BlackBerry, and Motorola after becoming a technological pioneer. As well as becoming a ground-breaking entrepreneur, Nag was also a professor in Genetics at the Stanford School of Medicine, committed to providing inclusive and accessible education.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Beyond the Stars

Whilst studying at the University of Glasgow, Burnell discovered pulsars, the cosmic sources of peculiar radio pulses. After graduating, she frequently worked in gamma ray, X-ray, infrared and millimetre wavelength astronomy. In 2015, Burnell was awarded a Royal Medal by the Royal Society and became the first female President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

After winning a breakthrough prize, Burnell donated all the proceedings to the institute of Physics to set up scholarships for graduates and those in under-represented communities to have access to study physics.

Are you Interested in a Career in STEM?

We hope these stories have truly inspired you and encourage you to achieve greatness. If you have any questions about our Scholarship scheme, you can contact our friendly Trust team.

It’s already widely known that females are massively underrepresented in STEM education. Currently, females make up 28% of the science, engineering, technology and maths workforce. At Millennium Point Trust, we are trying to change the percentage with the help of Scholarships, Grants and projects such as SciMED.

As a charity supporting STEM education in the West Midlands, we also aim to support other organisations and shine a spotlight on their work to further promote the importance of STEM.

Below, provided by Twinkl, we see 4 inspiring women in STEM talk about their careers including Millennium Point CEO Abbie Vlahakis. The videos, perfect for younger audiences, educators and staff working in schools can help students learn about different career options in STEM.

Abbie Vlahakis, CEO Millennium Point

Dr Jenny Arthur, Glaciologist – Glaciologist, Dr Jenny Arthur

Dr Jenny Arthur shares her tips on scientist skills and the life of a glaciologist, studying the ice shelves of Antarctica.

Science is a wonderful way to learn about the world. But what skills do you need? Where do you get these skills and knowledge to be a scientist. Well Dr Jenny Arthur shares some very cool ways she uses her scientist skills in Glaciology.

Dr Felicity McDowall, Archaeologist – Archaeologist, Dr Felicity McDowall

Dr Felicity McDowall shares her story of being an archaeologist and how she uses dates and evidence to understand the past. She’s even studies people from The Stone Age.

Archaeology is Dr Felicity McDowall’s specialist subject. And she uses a lot of scientific skills as an archaeologist and anthropologist.

Clare Brown, Biologist – Biologist, Clare Brown

Start exploring science with curator, Clare Brown as she shares her story of studying biology with schools and working to preserve thousands of plants and animals at the Leeds Discovery Centre.

Imagine exploring science and seeing thousands of different animal bones and fossils? For biologist, Clare Brown, that’s her job. Everyday!

Get involved with Millennium Point

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 and see how you can get involved here.

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.

Applications are now open once again for the life changing scholarship. In partnership with Birmingham City University each year Millennium Point Trust fund an undergraduate degree at BCU.

There are over 20 courses to choose from included in the scholarship.

Update: Keep an eye out for 2024’s application, opening Monday 8th January 2024. 

Hatem impressed judges last year and secured Scholarship victory

Hatem was currently studying an Extended Diploma in IT (Network and Security) at Solihull College and had ambitions to study Computer Science at university. Information of the Millennium Point Scholarship landed in Hatem’s inbox, where he knew straight away, he had nothing to lose by applying.

Scholarship

In Hatem’s application he made it clear how much winning the Scholarship would mean to him, his great passion for computers and his mission to use computing and technology to better lives. The Millennium Point Charitable Trust team were hugely impressed with Hatem’s application and selected him along with four other finalists.

All the finalises attended an assessment day at Millennium Point, where they each presented to a panel of five judges, Hatem impressed the panel the most and was selected as the lucky winner of last year’s Scholarship, which has already helped launch the careers of seven outstanding STEM students. Hatem’s degree in Computer Science at Birmingham City University (BCU) started in September 2022.

Applying is easy and simple

The competition is open to you if you are 18 by, and looking to start an undergraduate degree in September 2023 and within the West Midlands Combined Authority, who are looking to start a qualifying degree in September 2023.

Read the application form carefully and start to answer each question. Think about why you want to study your chosen degree and what you want to do in the future. Also discuss any personal attributes and skills that could help you be the next winner of the Scholarship.

Scholarship

It’s a two-stage application, with the final stage being an assessment day. If you make it to the final, you will be invited to participate in developmental workshops. These will focus on supporting our personal development and professionalism in both interview and presentation skills.

We’re here to help you every step of the way

We want everyone to have the best chance of success when applying for our Scholarship scheme, and sometimes bigging yourself up can be a little daunting. That’s why we have created a helpful guide to aid you through your application. Keep an eye out on our social media for any new blogs, videos or resources that can help further.

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

Unlock your student’s future by getting your school involved

Get your school involved and spread the word about the Scholarship. Tell parents, young people, teachers, and colleagues. The bigger it gets, the more impact we can make together.

We have created a Teacher’s Portal with assets and information that can help you provide students information on how to apply.

Are you a business wanting to get involved? Visit our Business Portal here.  We’re always looking out to collaborate with businesses and professionals on the MP Trust Scholarship.

Why do we do this?

At Millennium Point we believe that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is important for the future of the region. Now, more than ever young people need our support and encouragement for them to unlock their potential. The scholarship is just one of the ways we can provide support to help them achieve people’s goals.

Apply today to start your Scholarship journey

Applications are now open with the deadline on Friday 17th March 2023, apply now and see what you can achieve!

2024 update – 2024’s applications open Monday 8th January 2024. 

A panel of keynote speakers which includes former 5,000m world record holder David Moorcroft OBE, Commonwealth gold medallist Adam Whitehead and Dr Emily Hoodless, Consultant Physician, head up an afternoon of networking and discovery at Millennium Point, where businesses can meet like-minded businesses and discover the exciting STEM opportunities in the world of sport.

The SciSport Showcase on July 7th, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, forms part of a day of activity funded by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust at the landmark Millennium Point building, which is in association with the ‘United by Birmingham 2022’ programme welcoming the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham this summer.

SciSPORT – Showcasing the importance of STEM in Sport

Millennium Point’s “SciSport Showcase” will welcome more than 1,000 school children from 28 schools across the region to participate in a range of thrilling activities, workshops and talks delivered by a host of organisations and personalities from the world of science and sport.

Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, commented: “This SciSport event is a perfect example of why we do what we do – to promote STEM across the region and increase the opportunities for the next generation via some of the most exciting career paths available.

“STEM careers run throughout sport – from physiologists and nutritionists to sports equipment designers and groundspeople. We hope this event will give children a small insight into the amazing opportunities that are on offer to them.”

Network with likeminded individuals

Businesses can register for the free afternoon event here by emailing [email protected]


Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on FacebookTwitterInstagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands. 

Our CEO Abbie Vlahakis and members of the Millennium Point Charitable Trust were invited to King Solomon International Business School to unveil a plaque commemorating our support for their eco-friendly STEM garden.

The “Breaking The Barriers To Stem” project is a great example of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education projects we fund in the West Midlands region. It was great to catch up with staff and pupils at King Solomon, seeing the positive impact the project has had.

(Pupils from King Solomon International Business School holding the plaque, with Abbie Vlahakis, Millennium Point CEO and Jean McLeod, Head of PSP.)

Who’s running the project?
The project is managed by a parent’s voluntary organisation in partnership with King Solomon International Business School – Birmingham’s first all-through (4-19) Christian free school, which specialises in international business and entrepreneurship. The Parent School Partnership (PSP) was established in 2015 by parents of pupils who attend the school. To this end, PSP activities have been by donation of time, gifts and resources from willing parents and community partners – and now Millennium Point.

What’s it all about?
An inner-city school in Birmingham with a high proportion of BAME (Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities) pupils, its ambition at the start of the project, was to ‘break barriers’ and increase STEM engagement across the entire pupil population, whatever their gender or ethnicity, through a series of onsite activities, workshops, clubs, as well as STEM-related off-site trips. For a lot of children at the school, this will be their only chance to experience this kind of specialist learning in addition to the national curriculum and the aim is for them to be immersed into the world of STEM; give them opportunities that they otherwise would not have to boost STEM participation and be excited about the possibilities of careers in STEM.

The PSP and school has identified gaps in the children’s exposure to STEM learning and wants to reach individuals from urban, challenged or hard to reach backgrounds by providing all of this free of charge to prevent barriers to their involvement.

The project includes the following:

What impact has the project made?
The project has been a breath of fresh air to the school, offering opportunities within STEM, that without the funding, would not of been possible. The garden has helped pupils explore science in a fun engaging way, developing their education around life cycles, growing plants, climate effects, habitats and weather.

It was also fantastic to hear the positive impact the “Code Club” has had on the pupils. Pupils have been immerged in the world of code, with top technical practices such as HTML, Java and CSS being learned at the school.

These skills go a long way in providing the pupils a brilliant opportunity to kickstart their career within STEM.

How the Millennium Point Charitable Trust can help you
The Millennium Point Charitable Trust is committed to supporting the growth of STEM education in the West Midlands region, through funding, resources, projects and events.

Explore what we do or get in touch to see how we can work together.


Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on FacebookTwitterInstagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.