Through the implementation, we sought to bridge the skills gap in STEM education and enhance students’ employability, with a particular focus on increasing support for underrepresented female STEM students: • Integrating 21CS into regional and labor-market contexts by collaborating with stakeholders and leveraging resources such as the Regional Skill Councils Blueprint and Skill Panorama. • Empowering HEI teachers to embed 21CS into their teaching practices through dedicated training and continuous feedback mechanisms as part of the BE-21-SKILLED Teacher Empowerment Program. • Equipping students with critical employability skills and fostering their innovative capabilities through the Student Pilot and Playbook. • Raising awareness among key STEM stakeholders, including students, educators, and employers, about the importance of supporting female STEM students and fostering a culture of 21CS development. • Enhancing curricula with innovative tools designed to cultivate essential skills in students, made accessible through the Toolkit. • Ensuring broad dissemination of results and best practices via the BE-21-SKILLED eCompass, maximizing the project's reach and long-term impact.
We initiated this project in response to the urgent need to equip individuals with 21st-century skills (21CS), as rapid technological progress, globalization, and the transition from industrial to knowledge-based economies continue to reshape the labor market. Employers increasingly seek professionals who are adaptable, resilient, and possess an entrepreneurial mindset to navigate challenges such as digital transformation, skills mismatches, and shifting demographics. In STEM fields, there is growing concern that graduates often lack essential 21CS, limiting their ability to innovate and respond effectively in an unpredictable world. Studies suggest that these skills are less developed among STEM students compared to those in non-STEM disciplines (European Schoolnet, 2014). Moreover, female students in STEM remain underrepresented and experience higher dropout rates across Europe, highlighting the need for more supportive learning environments to enhance retention and success. Designed to meet the pressing demand for 21CS in STEM education, this project promotes innovation, resilience, and gender equality while aligning with broader European and global objectives for sustainable development and economic growth.