The project aimed to develop and pilot a scalable model integrating STEM, and futurist thinking in order to improve youth career prospects. Specific objectives included: designing a comprehensive STEM4TECH curriculum and digital ecosystem; training practitioners (youth workers, educators) across Malta, Spain and Greece; and creating open educational resources (OER) and support materials for replication. By mobilising consortium expertise, the project sought to increase professional competences in innovative pedagogy, promote STEM careers, and implement a sustainable EU-wide solution.
The project was conceived in response to a clear need for new approaches to STEM education and youth employment. Partners had observed rising youth unemployment and limited engagement with cutting-edge STEM fields (AI, biotechnology, etc.) in their communities. The team therefore applied for STEM4TECH Applied Futurology (2022-3-MT01-KA210-YOU-000093167) to develop a coherent “STEM + Futurology” model and digital learning environment that could be deployed across partner countries, enhancing young people’s future visioning, digital competences, sustainability thinking, and employability (especially among migrants, refugees and NEET youth).