In an era where diversity and inclusion have taken centre stage in motorsport, technology and engineering industries, McLaren has emerged as a frontrunner in creating an environment where women can thrive in STEM fields. This year, McLaren are celebrating 60 years as a team – and this week, I had the privilege of visiting the McLaren Technology Centre to cover a wrap event, celebrating the completion of their 60 Scholars program. This program provides the opportunity for 60 talented female students to pursue an accelerated learning journey across various STEM disciplines, with McLaren and their partners Google, Cisco and Cadence. Through insightful conversations with Kate O’Hara-Hatchley, the head of the program, and two inspiring students, Jasmine and Rose, I discovered how this program has not only empowered aspiring women in STEM but also built an uplifting community dedicated to their success.
A Safe Space for Ambitious Women
The McLaren 60 Scholars program has been praised by all for its commitment to creating a safe and supportive space for ambitious women looking to embark on careers in STEM. This program recognizes the challenges and barriers that women often face in male-dominated industries. By offering a nurturing environment, it paves the way for these talented young women to break through the glass ceiling and achieve their dreams, whether in Formula 1 or any other STEM-related industry.
Building Strong Friendships and a Sense of Community
One of the most heart-warming aspects of the 60 Scholars program is the strong sense of community it has provided to its participants. Jasmine and Rose, two of the program’s scholars, shared their experiences with me. They both emphasized how the program not only provided them with unique knowledge and skills, but also introduced them to like-minded individuals who share their passion for STEM.
Jasmine, a Computer Science student going into her third year of university, told me:
“I’ve been enjoying it and there’s a lot of things that surprised me which wasn’t expected especially. All the masterclasses, I gained knowledge and technical skills – and knowledge in aerodynamics as well even though I’m not in that area. But I was super happy to be able to gain this kind of extra knowledge, it was awesome.”
Rose, a Mechanical Engineering student going into her third year of university, echoed this sentiment, adding: 
“I think networking with some of the other scholars – it’s a really nice feeling to be in a room with lots of women, because that doesn’t normally happen – for physics, I was the only girl in my class at A-level, so it’s a really nice change being with lots of other young women and having fun. Doing the pitstop challenge, doing the sim racing, it feels like such a lovely atmosphere – very non-judgemental and everyone is here to learn. Making new friends, finding out more about different career opportunities.”
A Diverse Learning Experience
The 60 Scholars program at McLaren goes beyond traditional educational boundaries by providing participants with a diverse range of STEM experiences. From delving into the intricacies of aerodynamics to mastering the latest in data technology, these students have been able to dip a toe into various facets of the STEM world. This multifaceted approach gives the scholars a chance to explore areas they might not have considered previously, with Jasmine admitting with surprise that Aerodynamics as a field was a new interest for her following the program.
Support from Industry Giants
Something which elevates this program is its collaboration with industry giants Google, Cisco, and Cadence. These partnerships have enabled McLaren to deliver cutting-edge content and experiences to the students. This not only enhances the students’ educational journey but also opens doors to exciting career opportunities with these prominent companies.
Kate, the head of the program, gives some further insight:
“The scholars over the summer period have had a range of different activities and sessions that they’ve been involved with – Masterclasses, Q&As with our STEM Ambassadors (so speaking to F1 engineers up and down our Technical Operations teams), and today is the end of the program with our wrap event. So we’re bringing them all here together face to face for a whole day of talks – they’ve heard from Zak first thing this morning, they’ve heard from a panel of female leaders, they had a STEM Ambassador Q&A and currently they’re on a tour, doing a pit stop challenge and up in our Shadow Studio having a little go on the sims. This event really kind of culminates the program and is bringing them together to celebrate success – and they’ve got a session at the end to give them a bit of an award to recognise the end of the program. So that’s what we’re doing today!”
The Future of STEM
The McLaren 60 Scholars program is more than just an educational initiative; it is a beacon of hope for the future of STEM. By empowering women and creating a supportive community, this program is breaking down barriers and creating a ‘new normal’. It serves as an example of how inclusivity, collaboration, and dedication can push the next generation of STEM leaders to new heights.
As I left the McLaren Technology Centre, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the incredible women I met and the ground-breaking work they are doing. The 60 Scholars program is shaping careers and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM. McLaren’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation is undoubtedly driving progress, not just in Formula 1 but in the entire STEM industry.
To end on a more personal note – as my first visit to the McLaren Technology Centre, I could not be more blown away by the rich history and grandiosity of the site. A huge range of cars were on display, including Formula 1 (current and historical), road cars, Formula E, LeMans winners, GT cars and so many more. The legacy of this team shines through into every corner of the building, and it was an absolute privilege to speak with so many talented and ambitious women involved with the program.
