This project has been recognised as a **winner** of the 2025 Responsible Care Awards.
A pioneering STEM initiative by Dow is empowering young people aged 4–25 across Europe, bringing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to life through immersive, hands-on learning. In 2024 alone, over 15,000 students in the Netherlands and Germany participated in interactive workshops, lab tours, robotics challenges, and career-focused programs. Supported by 350+ employee volunteers, the initiative connects students with real-world applications of science and fosters curiosity, innovation, and future career pathways.
Why STEM matters
STEM skills are fundamental to solving global challenges, driving innovation, and preparing the workforce of tomorrow. This initiative goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering practical experiences that inspire students to pursue careers in science and engineering while promoting inclusivity and diversity. By engaging students from primary schools to graduation, the program strengthens equitable access to STEM opportunities, with a particular emphasis on girls.
Hands-On learning in the Netherlands and Germany
In the Netherlands, students took part in Science Days, interactive chemistry experiments, VR tours of industrial facilities, and escape rooms designed to teach process technology in a playful, engaging way. Programs like the Technasium project and apprenticeship program in the Netherlands, Junior Praktijk Programma, gave students hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges, while competitions like the FIRST Tech Challenge Benelux fostered teamwork, creativity, and technical skills.
More then 1,500 students participated in process technology workshops during Technical Experience Week, while university students tackled sustainability challenges by developing innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Challenge.
In Germany, over 100 STEM events reached nearly 5,000 students, featuring programs such as Mitarbeiterkinder im Schülerlabor and MINT für Mädchen, which encouraged girls to explore 3D printing and robotics. Scholarships and mentorship programs supported high-achieving students in vocational schools and universities, while Engineering Academies and career fairs connected students directly with STEM careers. Cross-border collaborations through Erasmus+ exchanges further broadened students’ perspectives and professional networks.
Scaling impact across Europe
Building on proven approaches from the Netherlands and Germany, we are sharing expertise and cooperate with partners in the UK, France, Belgium, and Spain. This collaborative model fosters mutual learning and adapts best practices to local contexts, ensuring a scalable and sustainable framework for STEM outreach. A network of trained STEM ambassadors, volunteer coordinators, and site teams ensures consistent quality and local customization, while dedicated budgets support events, internships, and promotional activities.
Community engagement and inclusion
In addition to technical learning, the initiative fosters community engagement and inclusion. Mentoring, volunteer-led workshops, and hands-on projects demonstrate that science is accessible, exciting, and relevant to all students. Over 69 % of Dutch and 74 % of German volunteers contributed to STEM and related activities in 2024, highlighting the program’s role in cultivating a culture of volunteerism and community impact.
Outcomes and recognition
The initiative’s impact is clear:
- 15,000+ students reached in 2024
- 200+ STEM events delivered across NL and DE
- 350+ volunteers engaged in outreach
- Increased student interest and academic performance in STEM subjects
- National and regional recognition through awards, media coverage, and partnerships with universities, educational organizations and external stakeholders