STEM4ALL, a Ghana-based nonprofit focused on climate and STEM education, has won the pitch competition at the Global Engagement Summit held at Northwestern University in Chicago, United States. The recognition places international attention on the organisation’s work to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics education more practical and accessible for children in underserved communities across Ghana.
The organisation is led by founder and CEO Gabriel Domoninge Naa, who started the initiative to address the growing gap in practical STEM education, especially in rural and low-income schools. Through its Climate and Renewable Energy STEM Kits, STEM4ALL is helping learners understand climate change, renewable energy and waste management through hands-on learning rather than theory alone.
The latest recognition comes at a time when climate education is becoming increasingly important in Ghana. The country continues to face challenges including flooding, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and energy insecurity. According to World Bank projections referenced by the organisation, climate-related shocks could push an additional 2.6 million Ghanaians into poverty by 2030 if action is not taken.
STEM4ALL believes education is one of the most important tools in preparing the next generation to respond to these challenges. The organisation’s work focuses on giving children early exposure to practical climate and renewable energy solutions while also improving access to STEM learning opportunities.
Expanding Access to Practical STEM Learning
One of the biggest challenges facing Ghana’s education system is limited access to science laboratories and practical learning materials. STEM4ALL says more than 60% of basic schools in Ghana, particularly in rural and underserved areas, lack proper science learning resources. As a result, many climate and renewable energy concepts are taught theoretically, with little opportunity for students to apply what they learn in real-life situations.
STEM4ALL is trying to change this through low-cost STEM kits designed specifically for basic schools in underserved communities. The kits allow students to learn through experimentation and practical activities linked to climate change and renewable energy.
Since its inception, the organisation says it has reached more than 4,000 learners across Ghana through its hands-on STEM training programmes. Around 65% of participants have been girls, showing a strong focus on encouraging female participation in STEM fields. The initiative has also engaged more than 100 teachers and impacted over 20 rural communities.
The organisation says its programmes are designed to be context-responsive, helping children understand climate issues affecting their own communities while also introducing them to problem-solving skills and innovation.
Recognition Builds Momentum for Growth
The win at the Global Engagement Summit is another major milestone for the organisation. STEM4ALL described the recognition as proof that there is growing global support for practical and inclusive climate education solutions.
The organisation also credited students, teachers, partner schools and supporters who have contributed to its growth over the years. It said the recognition belongs to every community that has been part of the journey.
The international recognition comes just a month after STEM4ALL was selected among 20 social impact startups for the sixth cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab, implemented by UNICEF Ghana in collaboration with KOICA Ghana Office and MEST Africa.
The selection into the programme is expected to provide additional support, mentorship and visibility as the organisation continues to expand its impact across Ghana.
STEM4ALL says its broader mission is to break down barriers in STEM and climate education by ensuring that all learners, regardless of background or circumstance, have access to quality learning opportunities. As climate challenges continue to grow globally, the organisation believes practical STEM education will play a key role in preparing future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable solutions.
