The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge 2025 is set to impact young students across Ghana as DreamOval Foundation and its partners launch the program.

The theme for this year’s challenge, “Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Innovators,” encourages students to use their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to solve real-life problems.

It is to give young people the chance to create useful solutions that will help the country in the future.

The virtual launch brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, regional and district Directors of Education, STEM and ICT coordinators, and heads of Junior High Schools.

The event also saw the participation of the GSTEP partners, including DreamOval Foundation, the Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and Practical Education Network (PEN).

The GSTEP 2025 application portal is now open, inviting junior high school students from Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions to submit their STEM-based projects.

Executive Director of DreamOval Foundation, Afua Oforiwaa Asaimah Adjei, spoke about the foundation’s efforts and the role of its partners.

“At DreamOval Foundation, our goal is to give young minds the skills, tools, and mindset needed to solve real-world challenges. We have seen ideas from our young learners over the years, and we are excited to see what they will come up with this year.”

The GSTEP Challenge is a platform where students can use their STEM knowledge to tackle issues in their communities, such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and the environment. The challenge is to build the skills of young people, helping them become future leaders who can bring about social and technological changes.

Director of the Science Education Unit at GES, Olivia Serwaa Opare, delivered the keynote address, mentioning the importance of STEM education in Ghana.

“STEM is a driver of progress in today’s world. Through programs like GSTEP, we are giving our students the chance to be leaders. I encourage all students to take this opportunity to show their skills and make a difference in their communities. The future is in your hands.”

The GSTEP Challenge is supported by Fondation Botnar, which funds the program as part of its global mission to support youth-led projects.

AI & Digital Innovation Lead at Fondation Botnar, Siddhartha Jha, explained their commitment to young people:

“We support the GSTEP Challenge because we believe young people have the power to drive change and find solutions to real-world problems. By supporting programs like GSTEP, we are helping to give the next generation the skills and opportunities they need to become leaders and make a difference.”

Junior high school students aged 11-16 from Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions are encouraged to apply as teams, with the guidance of their teachers and STEM coordinators. Project Manager at DreamOval Foundation, Keren Arkoh, outlined the application process available on the GSTEP website.

The deadline for submissions is November 11, 2024.

Selected teams will present their projects at an exhibition and awards ceremony next year, where the most impactful solutions will be recognized.

GSTEP is a joint effort led by DreamOval Foundation, with the Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and Practical Education Network (PEN).

The initiative will continue its mission of developing STEM skills and talent among young students in Ghana.