Dec
01
2020

#STEMhelden ('STEM heroes')

By admin
Short summary: 

#STEMhelden ('STEM heroes') is a large-scale media campaign aimed at 10-14 year olds, parents and teachers broadcasted on public television. In each episode a 'child reporter' explores a specific STEM discipline and their relation to a societal challenge. The campaign is funded by the Belgian sector funds of specific industries and coordinated by the Flemish STEM platform and Technopolis (science centre). The video materials are aligned with relevant curriculum standards and can be used in classroom education.

Description and objectives: 

#STEMhelden ('STEM heroes') is a media campaign consisting of short films for 10-14 year olds, their parents and their teachers.  The videos show that different STEM-profiles in companies solving a problem that effect the society, with a lot of attention for gender-sensitive language and images.

 

The objective of the initiative is to encourage more young people, and specifically girls, to enroll in STEM education and STEM oriented VET. Flanders, like so many countries, suffers from a shortage of STEM-profiles. The shortage of girls in STEM-jobs in particular is certainly remarkable. The shortage of girls is very clearly visible in more practically-oriented STEM-education in secondary schools (15-18 years of age). In Flanders, young people aged 15 and over can choose a study program. That is why it is important to provide them with an inspiring picture of what a job as a #STEMhero could look like before the age of 15.

 

During the Corona crisis, the health and care-professions were rightly praised, but it was less visible that the STEM professionals ensured that the country kept going. Think for example about the supply of electricity, the availability of the internet, etc. These are stories that the #STEM heroes series tries to tell.

 

The concept is always the same: a theoretically trained STEM professional and a practically trained STEM professional show how, together, they ensure that their company can solve a socially relevant problem. Examples include recycled plastic, safer and more environmental friendly cars, safety of money in the bank, easy access to job vacancies on the labour market,...

 

In Flanders, there are many STEM-initiatives, mostly independent of each other. The project of the STEM heroes links all the initiatives through a HUB operation. STEM is already embedded in their own regular functioning and the #STEMheroes helps strengthening the reach and impact of existing initiatives. The project is currently being organized by the Flemish STEM-platform and Technopolis.

Country: 
Belgium
Education level: 
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Link to programme website: 
Click here
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
Flemish STEM platform (in cooperation with VRT, Technolopolis and Brightlab)
Focus: 
Media and campaigns
Impact: 

The initiative aims to increase the number of young people, and specifically girls in STEM secondary education. This objective is part of the Flemish STEM-action plan 2012-2020, which aims to increase female participation in STEM secondary education 33.33% by 2021. In addition, the WiSTEM²D consortium associated with this project wants to inspire 50.000 girls in the BeNeLux to choose for a STEM-education. The number of young people in STEM-education in Flanders is monitored annually  (STEM-monitor) with specific attention for girls in STEM. We expect an statistic relevant shift. A follow-up qualitatively study can provide us with the insight of the impact of this specific program.

 

Reach: 

The #STEMheroes campaign is targeted at young people (10-14 year olds), parents and teachers and broadcasted on national public television as well as via social media. The campaign is in alignment with the school curriculum of this age group and can be used as a standard reference in classroom education. For this purpose there is already a cooperation with the Flemish study orientation service, parents' associations, employment organisations, teachers' associations, teacher training colleges.

Budget and funding model: 

The initiative was funded by the Flemish 'sector funds' (specifically the wood sector, food sector, semiconductor sector paper and cardboard sector), and coordinated by the Flemish STEM platform. It is one of the core tasks of the Flemish STEM platform to network and play a connecting role in the Flemish STEM-ecosystem. Individual companies participate trough the WiSTEM²D consortium. The Flemish STEM-platform and Technopolis also participate in this consortium. This consortium includes companies such as Total, BASF, Janssens Pharma, ING, EXXON, GALAPAGOS, etc. with the objective to inspire girls to choose for STEM. The consortium contributed financially to #STEMheroes.

 

Title (dropdown menu): 
#STEMhelden
Year start: 
2020
Status: 
Ongoing
data_page_icon_programme: 
Nov
27
2020

Handbook 'Working Together Works: How ICT Companies and Schools Can Collaborate in Three Concrete Steps''

By admin
Source / author: 
Katapult.eu (Dutch national STEM platform)
Country: 
Netherlands
Abstract: 

This handbook was created and translated by the Katapult network, one of the flagship initiatives of the Dutch national STEM platform focused on public-private partnerships in Vocational Education and Training. The network currently supports over 200 public-private partnerships involving over 10.000 companies.

 

In this era of digitalization, it is not surprising that we need more students and skilled workers in ICT. Collaboration between companies and schools is an important instrument to address those shortages, because we cannot solve this issue by ourselves. The big question is: how do you organise this? Some companies do not have much time or resources to spare, while others are looking for long term relations with the schools in their region. Luckily, there are many inspiring examples of collaboration between schools and ICT companies, ranging from internships and guest lectures, to retraining staff or contributions from compagnies to innovate the curriculum together with the schools.

 

NL Digital, the Dutch ICT branche organisation, Human Capital Agenda ICT (Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate) and Katapult collected these examples in a practical handbook for companies. With a handy decision tree you can determine in three steps how much time and resources you would like to commit, which issues you want to address and which concrete actions you can undertake. Based on the outcome of the decision tree, you get an overview of tips on how to collaborate with schools and inspiring examples of how other ICT companies and schools are already succesfully working together.

 

Nov
23
2020

MKB!dee

By admin
Short summary: 

MKB!dee is an initiative of the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs to promote the development of experimental approaches for (and by) lifelong learning in small and medium sized enterprises. The programme is implemented by the Dutch national STEM platform (PTvT) in cooperation with the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) and provides support and funding (up to 200.000 per project) to SME's for the development of new approaches

Description and objectives: 

Research has shown the importance of continuous investment in skills (lifelong learning). Small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s) in the Netherlands tend to invest relatively little in lifelong learning. Research by the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK) has shown that the main obstacle to increased (structural) investment in the continuous development of employees is not a financial but practical. For example, smaller companies find it more difficult to free up personnel to participate in lifelong learning activities, but also find it more difficult to identify learning opportunities suitable to their specific company / sector.

 

The Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs responded to this challenge with the MKB!dee: A programme that supports SME’s in the development of lifelong learning activities that fit the needs of their specific company type, size and sector. The programme is funded by the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs and part of the broader MKB Actieplan ('SME Action Plan'). It is implemented by the Dutch national STEM platform supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) which monitors and evaluates the programme. Participating SME’s can apply for a total grant of max. 125.000 euro (individual SME’s) or 200.000 euro (multiple SME’s) for the development of new / experimental lifelong learning activities relevant for their company / sector. The main objective of the MKB!dee programme is twofold:

 

  1. To provide practical and financial support to SME’s in the Netherlands in the development of (experimental) lifelong learning activities that suit the needs of their company
  2. To identify and upscale successful lifelong learning approaches developed in the context of the programme.

 

In addition to general quality criteria, project proposals submitted by SME’s are evaluated on the extent to which they contribute to pre-defined policy objectives of the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs. These include:

 

  • Climate and energy transition
  • Increasing the number and quality of STEM and ICT professionals
  • Digitalisation of SME’s
  • Lifelong learning in small SME's (< 50 employees)
Country: 
Netherlands
Education level: 
Lifelong Learning / Upskilling
Link to programme website: 
Click here
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
PTvT
Focus: 
Digital skills
Intersectoral / crossovers / STEAM
Impact: 

In 2019 the research firm SEO was tasked by the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate to carry out an independent evaluation of the first round of pilot applications. This evaluation mapped the background, geographic location and structure of the project consortia serving as a 'zero measurement' for future reference (see background documents). No further analysis of the structural impact of the programme on participating SME’s has been carried out yet. However, based on positive responses and growing demand the programme has been extended with a second application round in 2021. 

Reach: 

During the first period of the programme (2018-2019) a total of 61 projects were funded. A further 10 million euro has been reserved for 50-70 additional projects to be funded in 2021. The programme also aims to identify and upscale successful projects after the funding period ends to further stimulate both demand and supply of successful Lifelong Learning approaches for SME’s. 

Budget and funding model: 

The programme is fully funded by the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK). In the period of 2018-2020 a total of 61 projects were funded. Of the total programme budget, 27% is reserved for small SME’s (< 50 employees).

 

Individual SME’s participating can apply for a maximum grant of 125.000 euro per project. Project proposals involving more than one SME can apply for a maximum grant of 200.000 euro per project. No co-funding on the part of the SME is required. Successful applicants receive 90% of the total budget as a pre-financing payment (up front) and the remaining 10% after completion of the project.

Title (dropdown menu): 
MKB!dee
Year start: 
2018
Status: 
Ongoing
data_page_highlighted_yes_no: 
yes
data_page_summary: 

MKB!dee is an initiative of the Dutch ministry of Economic Affairs to promote the development of experimental approaches for (and by) lifelong learning in small and medium sized enterprises. The programme is implemented by the Dutch national STEM platform (PTvT) in cooperation with the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO)

data_page_impact: 

In the period of 2018-2020 a total of 61 projects were funded (200.000 euro per project) focused on developing new lifelong learning approaches in SME's. Of the total programme budget, 27% is reserved for small SME’s (< 50 employees).

data_page_icon_programme: 
Nov
20
2020

Commissioner Gabriel talks with New York Times about underrepresentation of women in STEM and ICT

By admin
Source / author: 
New York Times
Country: 
United States
Abstract: 

European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth talks about the underrepresentation of women in STEM and ICT in interview with New York Times and what to do about it. 

 

Read more via the link above.

Nov
06
2020

Building a School STEM Environment (STEM programme of the government of Bulgaria)

By admin
Short summary: 

The national program 'Building a School STEM Environment' is a large-scale STEM programme of the government of Bulgaria. Its primary focus is to create new school 'centers' - an integrated set of specially created and equipped learning spaces with a focus on the study and application of competencies in the field of natural sciences and mathematics in state and municipal schools in the country. The centres will support a range of education innovations, including new teaching methods, teaching environments and educational content.

Description and objectives: 

The national program 'Building a School STEM Environment' aims to create new school centers - an integrated set of specially created and equipped learning spaces with a focus on the study and application of competencies in the field of natural sciences and mathematics in state and municipal schools in the country. Each school center will include the following elements:

 

  • physical environment (improvement of the interior architecture and furnishing of existing spaces)
  • technology (equipment)
  • learning content,
  • teaching methods
  • management of the educational process.

 

The main objective of the programme is to create an integrated learning environment for a new generation in Bulgarian schools, which will encourage and support educational innovations in teaching and learning in the field of STEM, creativity and research. The investments will support the introduction of new teaching methods, raising the qualification of pedagogical specialists and creating new educational content in the direction of integrating the subject areas of STEM. The Program is in line with Bulgaria's Digital transformation Policy and National Science Strategy 2017-2030.

 

To achieve this, the programme is aimed at schools with (already) innovative practices and those with the potential to develop innovations in science, digital technology, engineering thinking and mathematics (STEM). The national program will create "models" in some Bulgarian schools for successfully investing in a comprehensive idea, including learning environment, technology, management, integrated content, qualifications and teaching methods. The 'Education of Bulgarians Abroad and School Network'-directorate is responsible for the implementation of the programmme.

Country: 
Bulgaria
Education level: 
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Link to programme website: 
Click here
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science
Focus: 
Teachers
Other
Impact: 

Тhe program includes two main activities:

 

  • Activity I: LARGE PROJECTS (up to BGN 300,000) for the students above 300
  • Activity II: SMALL PROJECTS (up to BGN 50,000) for the students below 300

 

Тhe first activity envisages the projects to be complete, unified centers with a specific focus (such as: Center for Young Researchers; Center for Technologies in Creative Industries; Center for Digital Learning Creators; Center for Science, Research and Innovation) which include several classrooms, as well as the adjacent common spaces. The total value of the project can include a combination of construction and repair activities for the transformation of existing spaces, furniture, equipment, teacher training, creation of integrated learning content and more.

 

The second activity includes projects that will transform and equip smaller physical spaces - one or two classrooms or corners in an existing space. Although smaller in terms of funding, these projects have the same objectives as the larger ones: creating conditions for the development of skills related to creativity in digital technologies; experimental work; developing engineering thinking and problem solving skills; work on projects and assignments with practical orientation in science and technology.

 

The total value of the project can include a combination of construction and repair activities, furniture, equipment, teacher training and more in the following type projects: Corners type "workshops"; Research laboratories; Classroom for creative digital creators.

Reach: 

The program is implemented on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and covers all state and municipal schools. To measure its reach, the programme utilises the following implementation indicators in the first phase of the project:

 

  • Number of completed large projects (up to BGN 300,000) - up to 50 schools
  • Number of completed small projects (up to BGN 50,000) - up to 100 schools

 

For its final result, the program aims to create innovative training centers with focus on STEM, which include key changes (from the existing situation) in the following areas:

 

  • educational environment
  • educational content
  • teaching methods
  • organization and management of school processes

 

Objectives / indicators specifically related to STEM goals include:

 

  • increasing the motivation of students to study science and mathematics;
  • creating opportunities for project-based training, integrative knowledge, training on scientific topics and changing educational paradigms;
  • increasing the engagement, skills and achievements of students (digital literacy; digital arts and creativity; skills related to the requirements of the industry; skills to solve real problems of life and business; mathematical thinking; skills to create technological solutions; work in team, critical thinking, etc.);
  • encouraging students to create and improve technological solutions in the field of mechanics, programming and artificial intelligence;
  • skills development for the creation of new technologies and automation;
  • increasing the number of students interested in university specialties and jobs in the technology industries;
  • contribute to the growth of technology industries and their share of GDP.
Budget and funding model: 

The necessary funds for the implementation of national education development programs for 2020 are provided from the budget of the Ministry of Education and Science and from the central budget. The total STEM program budget is 20 000 000 BGN (10 225 838 Euro), which covers 150 projects in total funding (selected by competition).

Title (dropdown menu): 
Building a School STEM Environment
Year start: 
2020
Status: 
Ongoing
data_page_icon_programme: 

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