The funding for 19 schools across the country is worth up to £20,000 per school over the next two years, with a total allocation of nearly £1.5m in the years 2005-08.

The new funding will go towards projects such as shadowing scientists in a high-tech bioscience lab, researching wind, wave, solar and nuclear energy and the sustainable use of forests.

Alistair Darling said: "It is vital for the UK's future that young people from all backgrounds are inspired by science, technology, engineering and maths. There should be no subjects which are off limits to any of our students.

"This funding is a small part of doing that. There are great careers here for young people to follow, and these grants can help unlock that interest. It can be good for them and good for the country."

The first round of STEM Access Grants was well received by the schools involved.

Larbi Hamam, Head of Maths at Park View Academy and Fortsmere School, London, commented: "I know we have been able to awaken the students' interest in STEM through this project - they are always on at me to arrange another trip!

“When I look at them I see the next engineer, the next doctor, the next pharmacist. The hardest part is showing the link between what they study in school and real life - these visits have made it clear."

Click here to view further details about the projects