Students and teachers from Satu Mare County (Romania) and Zakarpattia region (Ukraine) will benefit from modern STEM education through the “STEMLab Synergy” project.
The Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association, in collaboration with Uzhhorod National University and the Project Managers Association “YADRO” from Ukraine, has officially launched the project “STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian and Ukrainian Schools,” implemented since May 2025.
INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS: LABS, TRAINING AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
The project addresses the urgent need to improve STEM education in the cross-border regions of Romania and Ukraine. Both in Satu Mare and Zakarpattia, schools face similar challenges: outdated science equipment, obsolete teaching methods, low student motivation, persistent stereotypes about STEM careers, and a mismatch between learning outcomes and labor market demands. These issues limit the development of a well-prepared workforce and slow down innovation and regional economic growth.
To tackle these challenges, the project promotes STEM education through three core components:
Educational infrastructure. Seven modern STEM labs will be established — four in Ukraine and three in Romania (Satu Mare County). In Romania, the selected schools are: Bârsău de Sus Gymnasium, “Mihai Viteazu” Gymnasium in Moftinu Mic, and “George Barițiu” Technological High School in Livada. These labs will enable students to carry out hands-on science and math experiments using modern equipment and applied learning methods.
Professional development. Seventeen STEM teacher trainers will be prepared, including five from Romania. Additionally, 30 teachers will complete a 30-hour accredited training program. The course focuses on the practical use of digital tools, interactive teaching methods, and best practices in modern STEM education. The “Dariu Pop” Teacher Training Center in Satu Mare will support the adaptation and delivery of the programme.
Student motivation. A wide-reaching awareness campaign will target students and their families to combat stereotypes around STEM careers. Activities will include career fairs, competitions, and a cross-border summer camp held in both Romania and Ukraine.
SATU MARE COUNTY – A MODEL FOR EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
A key innovation of the project is integrating modern STEM labs directly into schools, enabling an equitable and applied learning experience. The three Romanian schools involved will become local excellence hubs for practical science learning, positively impacting hundreds of students and dozens of teachers.
FUTURE-ORIENTED EDUCATION
Expected results in Romania and Ukraine:
- Over 8,000 students (aged 12–17) will take part in STEM initiatives;
- At least 100 teachers will complete training and continue to use the developed materials;
- Students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math careers will increase;
- Cross-border cooperation between educational institutions, communities, and authorities in Romania and Ukraine will be strengthened.
“STEMLab Synergy” is a concrete response to the need for modernizing educational infrastructure. The slogan “STEM – Knowledge for Life” reflects the project vision: STEM is not just a school subject, but a tool to understand the world and contribute to society.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project title: STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Romanian and Ukrainian Schools
Project code: ROUA00153
Total budget: EUR 444,405.86
EU contribution: EUR 399,956.27
Romanian partner budget: EUR 219,978.40 (90% EU-funded)
Implementation period: 15 May 2025 – 14 November 2026 (18 months)
PROJECT PARTNERS
- Project Managers Association “YADRO”, Ukraine
- Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association, Romania
- Uzhhorod National University, Ukraine
CONTACT
Email: adijudetsm@yahoo.com
Phone: +40 742 921 114 (Lașan Nicoleta, Project Manager)Facebook: facebook.com/adijudetsm
This material was created with the support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the management structures of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine 2021–2027 Programme.
