Decreasing interest in pursuing STEM fields and natural sciences is a challenge we aim to address through the project “Sailing into STEM – A Map for 2030.” The project focuses on strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs) to promote STEM among children and students. Integrating environmental themes into STEM education is not just an option—it’s a roadmap for the future. It provides a framework for responding more effectively to the growing pressures on marine and freshwater ecosystems, such as wastewater (eutrophication), marine and riverine pollution, coastal land reclamation, rising temperatures, and ocean acidification.
Through hands-on workshops and public events, the project will spark interest in STEM, develop essential future skills, and promote the protection of aquatic ecosystems by bridging education, science, and innovation.
Project Objective
The main objective is to build the capacity of civil society organizations through training programs and the development and implementation of STEM workshops and public events for children. These activities aim to inspire children and youth and cultivate a positive attitude towards STEM fields.
Project Activities
- Training programs for CSO representatives to improve their capacity to implement STEM activities with children and students
- Study visit to organizations that use innovative methods to present STEM to young audiences
- Participation in fairs and conferences on innovative teaching methods in STEM education
- Capacity-building training and mentoring by university partners for CSO representatives
- STEM promotion through workshops with children and students
- STEM promotion in public spaces
- Communication and visibility efforts
- Project management
Project Lead: Sunce – Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable
Project Partners:
- Krka Ecological Association Knin
- Homeland Gratitude Elementary School
- DOBRI Elementary School
- University of Split, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- University of Split, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology
- Association of Chemical Engineers and Technologists Split
Project Duration: 24 months (March 20, 2025 – March 19, 2027)
Total Project Value: 298,981.37€
The funds are co-funded in the following ratio: 15% from the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia and 85% from the European Social Fund Plus.
The project is implemented with financial support from the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), under the “Effective Human Resources 2021–2027” Programme. It is carried out under the Call for Proposals “Strengthening the Capacity of Civil Society Organizations for Promoting STEM”, with the goal of improving the ability of CSOs to design and implement educational activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
The views expressed in this material are the sole responsibility of Sunce and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs.
Project Reference Number: SF.2.4.06.04.0034
Project Manager at Sunce: Gabrijela Medunić-Orlić, Executive Director
[email protected]
Contact Person: Miranda Šimac, Education and Information Officer
[email protected]