Some students showcasing their equipment at the launch event
The highly anticipated Ghana Science & Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge 2025, has officially been launched, marking another significant step in the drive to empower the next generation of Ghanaian innovators.
The virtual launch drew participation from key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), regional and district Directors of Education, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and ICT coordinators, and heads of junior high schools (JHS).
The event also welcomed the consortium of GSTEP partners, comprising DreamOval Foundation, the Partnership Bureau, Shulem Lake, and Practical Education Network (PEN).
The GSTEP 2025 application portal was declared open during the event, inviting junior high school students from the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions to submit their innovative STEM-based solutions to tackle real-world challenges.
This year’s theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Innovators,” is aimed at inspiring Ghana’s youth to harness their potential in STEM to create impactful solutions for the nation’s future.
The GSTEP Challenge offers a platform for students to apply their STEM knowledge to address pressing issues in their communities across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and the environment.
Director of Science Education Unit at GES, Olivia Serwaa Opare, highlighted the pivotal role of STEM in shaping Ghana’s future.
She said, “STEM is a key driver of innovation and progress in today’s world. Through initiatives like GSTEP, we are providing our students with the tools and opportunities to be leaders in this transformation.”
She urged students to seize the moment to showcase their talents and make a difference in their communities.
Executive Director of DreamOval Foundation, which leads the GSTEP consortium of partners, Afua Oforiwaa Asiamah Adjei, expressed optimism about the future of STEM education in Ghana and reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators in Ghana.
“At DreamOval Foundation, our mission to equip young minds with the skills, tools, and forward-thinking mindset necessary to tackle real-world challenges drives us to continue the GSTEP Challenge. Over the years, we have witnessed incredible innovations from our young learners, and we look forward to seeing even more groundbreaking ideas showcased this year,” she added.
AI & Digital Innovation Lead at Fondation Botnar, funders of the challenge, Siddhartha Jha, emphasised the foundation’s commitment to empowering young people.
“By supporting initiatives like GSTEP, we are helping to equip the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond,” he added.
How To Apply
Junior high school students (ages 11-16) in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Eastern regions are encouraged to apply in teams with the guidance of their teachers and STEM coordinators.
Project Manager at DreamOval Foundation, Keren Arkoh, walked attendees through the application process, emphasising that all necessary information can be found on the GSTEP website. The deadline for submissions is November 11, 2024.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak