YCAB Foundation, together with Orica–a global leader in mining and infrastructure solutions with over 25 years of presence in Indonesia–have partnered to launch STEM Spark: Ignite Future Career Program. This transformative three-year initiative in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program aims to inspire students and strengthen teaching capacity across East Kalimantan.
Building on the foundation of the Women Engineers Program, STEM Spark will engage 1,000 students, with a target of 60% female participation, and provide training for 50 high school science teachers and counselors. Through hands-on learning, gamified teaching methods, Career Days, and a STEM Challenge involving 20 schools, the program connects classrooms to real-world problem-solving and future-ready skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Students, Solving Real Problems
At the core of STEM Spark is a carefully designed, three-phase approach that goes beyond teaching STEM concepts. It aims to transform how students learn, think, and approach problem-solving. By combining teacher development, student engagement, and real-world application, the program creates a holistic learning journey that is both practical and inspiring.
The three phases include:
- Teacher Empowerment
50 teachers, alumni of the Women Engineers Program, will undergo specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) focused on STEM gamification and interactive teaching strategies. These educators will be equipped to lead engaging, student-centered classrooms where STEM becomes a lived experience, not just a subject.
- Student Engagement
Each trained teacher will mentor 20 students through a series of hands-on activities, offline simulations, and Career Days. These events will feature professionals from engineering, technology, and science, helping students to connect their classroom learning to real-world pathways and future careers.
- STEM Competition and Festival
The program culminates in a project-based competition involving 20 schools. Students will tackle real-world problems by developing tangible solutions, working in teams, and presenting their ideas. This hands-on experience reinforces both technical knowledge and essential soft skills like collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, making learning both impactful and empowering. The competition will be followed by a vibrant STEM Festival, which celebrates the students’ achievements and connects learning with future opportunities. The festival will feature a Career Day, a scholarship information session, and an awards ceremony to honor outstanding student projects, creating an inspiring space where young minds are recognized, encouraged, and motivated to pursue STEM pathways with purpose.
More Than Skills: A Movement for Confidence, Innovation, and Impact
By integrating design thinking, exposure to diverse STEM majors, and clear career path exploration, STEM Spark is building more than just technical skills, it’s nurturing a generation of critical thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers equipped to drive Indonesia’s digital transformation. The program responds to a growing national need for digital talent, ensuring that young people are not only prepared for the future of work but are also positioned to lead it.
YCAB Foundation, together with Orica, is committed to supporting this journey, ensuring that youth in East Kalimantan have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in the future of work.
This isn’t just a training program, it’s a movement to spark passion, build confidence, and unleash the potential of a generation ready to lead in STEM. In a world where the future of work is digital, inclusive education is no longer optional, it’s essential. And in East Kalimantan, that future has just begun.