Dedicated to inspiring and educating young minds in Latin America
🚀🤖 Our business partners from STEM Punks recently returned to Australia from their 2024 3-week teaching tour of Latin America, visiting schools in Chile, Peru, and Colombia. This transformative experience was made possible by the generous support of the Orica Impact Fund, which provided a $300,000 grant to empower their mission.
At the heart of the STEMPunks initiative lies its educational program, dedicated to inspiring and educating young minds, especially girls from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds. Their goal? To ignite a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects and provide students with invaluable learning opportunities alongside inspirational role models.
Building upon the resounding success of their previous tour in 2023, the program continues to pave the way for sustainable frameworks in schools, fostering equity and equality in STEM education. This year, their focus shifted towards sustainable development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through their EXCITE education program, students had the chance to engage with their Environmental Sensor STEM tool, driving home the importance of environmental awareness and action.
During their tour, the dedicated STEMPunks team visited 10 schools across the three countries, reaching 400+ students ranging from 8 to 16 years old. Each classroom session, brimming with enthusiasm and curiosity, hosted an average of 30-40 students eager to delve into the world of STEM. But their impact didn’t stop there. They also conducted workshops for 100+ teachers, emphasising the significance of personal development in ensuring the long-term success of their program.
Chris Buswell, Head of Education at STEMPunks, summed up their tour, stating, “This partnership has not only highlighted the incredible potential of young minds in Latin America but also underscored the critical role of STEM teaching and learning and global citizenship in today’s education. By engaging students with real-world problems and innovative solutions, we nurture informed, responsible future leaders capable of making impactful decisions at a community level and on a global scale.”
Michael Holmstrom, CEO of STEM Punks, echoed his sentiments, adding, “Working closely with industry partners like Orica and GroundProbe is a critical piece to enable equity and equality in STEM Education. By linking future industry skills with STEM Education, we provide highly relevant programs that will build local talent pipelines for generations.”
As they conclude the second year of their three-year program, they’re excited about the positive community impact they’ve made. With the steadfast support of the Orica Impact Fund and GroundProbe, we all look forward to the final leg of their journey in 2025.
📸 Delivering world-leading STEM education intertwined with industry pathways, their program is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose and support meets ambition.
For more information, visit: GroundProbe Press Release