McLaren Racing has today announced that applications are now open for the second iteration of its programme aimed at identifying and supporting the next generation of female leaders in STEM. 

60 Scholars returns for its second year to see successful applicants take part in an accelerated course of learning and mentorship with McLaren Racing and its partners with the aim of opening up pathways for a future career in the industry. 

Beginning in July, the 60 successful applicants will undertake an immersive six-week course based on three key themes in order to inspire and provide them with the tools needed to make a mark in the industry: 

• Community: Scholars will build their STEM community of peers and mentors through a mixture of intimate mentorship sessions and hands-on development events at the McLaren Technology Centre 

• Knowledge: Scholars will gain a deeper understanding of potential career pathways in STEM through career seminars from leaders across McLaren and our partners 

• Skills: Scholars will develop practical and universal skill sets to set them apart from day one through skills workshops delivered by experts at McLaren and our partners 

The virtual immersions will be conducted in partnership with McLaren Racing partners Google, Cisco and Deloitte to provide tangible skills that will help the next generation of female talent to solve the problems of tomorrow. Udemy will support the programme as the Official Learning and Skills Partner of 60 Scholars, providing the participants with flexible and effective upskilling opportunities through its online learning platform. 

The 60 Scholars programme is an investment by McLaren Racing and its partners in the future of STEM and motorsport, to inspire and support diverse talent and meaningfully improve participation and representation. 

Following last year’s programme, participants were given access to apprenticeship, internship and graduate opportunities with partner organisations, with a number of alumni offered engineering internships and graduate roles at McLaren Racing. Additionally, in 2023, racing series Extreme E recruited ambassadors for the second year of its Racing For All programme – all of whom were alumni of the 60 Scholars programme. 

Kim Wilson, Director of Sustainability, McLaren Racing, said:  

“The 60 Scholars programme forms part of our commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of female leaders in our industry and beyond. Motorsport is at the forefront of innovation and we’re thrilled that, together with our partners, we’re able to offer this opportunity for future female leaders to gain valuable insights, skills and opportunities to help them make an impact on the future of the sport.” 

Matt Dennington, Co-Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing, said: 

“This is a great initiative to provide talented young women some support in entering the competitive world of STEM. We’re pleased to be offering the next cohort of future leaders in this field an opportunity to gain experience, but this wouldn’t be possible without the valued support of our partners who will each bring specific skills to this year’s programme.” 

Applications for the 2024 programme have now opened and are available until 24 June to UK-based women, non-binary individuals and those of gender diverse identities who are current- or former-STEM students aged 18 to 25, with more information available on the 60 Scholars landing page on the McLaren Racing website.