More than 1,000 North East girls inspired to shape tech future at EmPower

More than 1,000 Year 8 girls from schools across the North East are exploring a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through inspirational opportunities at EmPower.

Returning to St. James’ Park for a fourth year, EmPower is one of the UK’s largest events encouraging young women to explore digital careers through themed activity zones focused on codebreaking, cyber security, robotics, online safety, engineering and leadership.

EmPower is hosted by Newcastle United Foundation in partnership with Sage, a leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Alongside practical and immersive STEM activities, students also experience thought-provoking workshops and insight from regional, national and global industry experts.

This year’s event also highlights how the region is helping to develop the next generation of tech talent especially important following the government’s announcement designating the North East as one of the UK’s new AI Growth Zones. Students will see first-hand how artificial intelligence and digital skills are shaping the future of work – from finance and engineering to food and manufacturing.

spark interest in cybersecurity and STEM subjects as students approach critical GCSE decisions, shaping the future of talent in the UK’s growing tech sector.

Dawn Barber, Head of Business at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Inspiring ambition and providing meaningful opportunities to engage in STEM subjects and careers in key to supporting the next generation of women in tech industries.

“Skills that students explore here today can take them on a journey to shaping the future in AI, cyber security, digital, finance roles and so much more.

“We are proud to partner with Sage to deliver this event, alongside dozens of organisations championing the next generation of women in tech.”

More than 40 organisations support the event, including some of the North East’s biggest employers, including AWS, Accenture, Greggs, and Northumbrian Water, alongside national partners such as GCHQ and the RAF.

A highlight of this year’s event will be the opportunity for attendees to meet and learn from Sage’s own apprentices and graduates, who will host the girls throughout the day through the Sage Foundation. These young professionals will share their experiences and show how rewarding and achievable a career in technology can be for people from every background.

Mads Howard MBE, Senior Manager CEO Office at Sage, said: “At Sage, we’re passionate about giving young people the confidence and opportunity to thrive in a digital world.

“EmPower lets girls see role models who look like them, in roles that are shaping the future, right here in the North East. This region is full of potential and through events like this we’re helping to build the diverse, skilled workforce that will power the UK’s AI and tech future.”

Among the students taking part in EmPower 2025 are pupils from Newcastle United Foundation’s Partner Schools and Premier League Inspires programmes delivered across the North East.

Premier League Inspires is a personal development programme, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation.

The programme uses the power of football to inspire young people aged 11-to-18 to develop the personal skills and positive attitudes needed to succeed in life.

For more information about the Newcastle United Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X for regular news and updates.