Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators in Latin America
This program motivated me to keep learning about programming because I see a future in it and would like to have a job like that someday.
– Peruvian Student.
This year, GroundProbe and Orica proudly partnered again with STEM Punks to deliver the 2025 Latin America (LATAM) Education Tour—a transformative STEM initiative aimed at inspiring students and empowering teachers across four countries: Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. Over four weeks, the program reached 15 schools, engaged 492 students, and provided professional development to 78 teachers.
Bridging Classrooms and Real-World Careers
The focus was clear: to build confidence and capability in STEM by linking classrooms with real-world applications in mining, technology, and space exploration. Through hands-on robotics, autonomous rover coding, and immersive space mission challenges, students were introduced to key concepts such as AI, automation, and problem-solving.
The program, titled Autonomous Technologies: AI Mining in Space, was designed for students from Year 4 to Year 11. Delivered by STEM Punks educators alongside GroundProbe and Orica staff, the sessions encouraged students to envision futures in science, engineering, and technology, while supporting teachers in implementing project-based STEM learning in their classrooms.
A Tour of Impact: Highlights from Across LATAM
In Chile, students in Calama and San Pedro de Atacama showed high levels of engagement, with many returning participants demonstrating strong growth in coding and problem-solving skills. In Peru, the program’s deep community roots were evident, with visits from local government officials and active educator participation across schools in Arequipa.
Colombia’s program in Medellín engaged students from both school and vocational levels, further emphasising the long-term value of the initiative. Several robotics clubs had emerged from previous visits, demonstrating ongoing interest in STEM fields. Meanwhile, in Brazil, the program concluded on a high note in Belo Horizonte, with strong participation, especially from female students, and a Portuguese-speaking STEM Punks educator present to support delivery and maximise impact.
Building Confidence, Curiosity, and Futures
Across all four countries, teachers expressed overwhelming support for the program, praising its relevance, adaptability, and the professional development it offered. Many said they felt more empowered to deliver STEM in meaningful ways. Students, too, were inspired by the hands-on experience, often linking what they learned with future career aspirations.
This experience opened my mind to new possibilities. I never thought about working with technology, but now I see it’s something I could do in the future.
– Brazilian Student.
Final feedback showed that 100% of teachers rated the program as valuable and would recommend it to others. Over 95% of students reported increased confidence and interest in STEM, indicating the initiative’s positive impact on future career pathways.
The LATAM 2025 tour highlighted the strong role that industry and education partnerships can play in developing future-ready learners. Whether in high-tech schools or low-resource settings, the flexible STEM Punks model proved highly effective, and its links to real-world careers in mining and space exploration made learning both accessible and aspirational.
Looking ahead, GroundProbe and Orica remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that deliver lasting impacts through education, innovation, and opportunity. With ongoing investment, we can reach more students, assist more teachers, and inspire the next generation of engineers, technologists, and changemakers across Latin America and beyond.
The STEM Punks 2025 LATAM tour was funded through the Orica Impact Fund and supported by GroundProbe.
ADDITIONAL READING
Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: STEM Punks in Chile and Peru, 2025 – GroundProbe
Dedicated to inspiring and educating young minds in Latin America
Teaching STEM to schools in Latin America
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