Amazon brought a major STEM event to Richmond upon Thames College last week, welcoming 115 Year 7 and 8 pupils from The Richmond upon Thames School (RTS) for an immersive day of tech-powered learning supported by Creative Hut.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Technology
Launched in 2018, Amazon Girls’ Tech Day is a global programme designed to help bridge the gender gap in technology by inspiring girls and young women to engage with STEM. The initiative has reached participants in more than 30 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
Richmond upon Thames College Principal, Gavin Hughes, commented:
“We were delighted to welcome the team from Amazon and The Richmond upon Thames School to the College for the Amazon Girls’ Tech Day. It was a wonderful event for the girls with so many exciting activities and inspiring stories from those involved. It is a real pleasure to see the current generation motivating the next generation in the world of technology.”
Opening Doors to STEM
This year’s event at Richmond upon Thames College follows the success of last year’s Amazon Girls' Tech Day hosted at Uxbridge College, solidifying the collaboration between the West London Institute of Technology (IoT), Amazon and Creative Hut. It is thrilling to be continuing the momentum across the HRUC (Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges) group and beyond, encouraging the next generation of innovators.
Joanne Reynolds, Community Engagement Manager, at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said:
“We’re proud to collaborate with Richmond upon Thames College to host Amazon Girls’ Tech Day here in the UK. At Amazon, our aim is to inspire and empower young women to explore their potential in technology, and events like this are integral to showing them the opportunities that are available and the art of the possible. By investing in STEM education and providing opportunities for hands-on learning, we want to help our future leaders to foster a love for technology and develop the pathways and skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”
Breaking down stereotypes
Throughout the day, RTS students rotated through interactive sessions covering coding, robotics, engineering, design, and immersive technologies, all aimed at building confidence, breaking down stereotypes, and showing girls that a future in tech is within reach.
The event also featured an inspiring panel discussion with a diverse group of Amazon leaders, giving students the chance to hear first‑hand about real career journeys in the tech and logistics sectors, offering them a powerful look at the many pathways available in STEM and the vital role women play in shaping the future of technology.
HRUC winner of our National Innovation Challenge 2025, Valentina Vicario, closed the experience with details of her success and some inspiring words.
Miss R Lang, Year 7 English Teacher at The Richmond upon Thames School, reflected:
“The students had the most brilliant day - they were enthused by every workshop, and you could feel the ambition in the air! It was brilliant to see them understand that their place is anywhere they want it to be - inclusive of in STEM.”
Transformational learning experiences
Simon Davenport, Managing Director for Impact & Legacy at Creative Hut, the delivery partner for Amazon Girls’ Tech Day, commented:
“Amazon Girls’ Tech Day is one of our most transformational learning experiences. No matter where it is hosted, the impact is the same, students leave energised, capable, and excited about where STEM skills can take them. By combining hands-on learning with real conversations with women in the industry, we’re helping girls see that they absolutely have a place in the tech world.”
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