Jan 24, 2025

How Ukraine is Shaping the Next Generation of Engineers and Innovators

The world is evolving rapidly – new industries and professions are emerging, processes are becoming automated, and artificial intelligence is now indispensable across various fields. While experts attempt to predict which skills will be most in demand in the future, one thing remains clear: both the world and Ukraine need skilled engineers and technical specialists. In honor of International Day of Education, we explore how Ukraine is educating the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The International Day of Education, established by the United Nations in 2019, highlights the importance of education in fostering peace and development. Each year, the global education community focuses on a specific challenge to address in the coming months.

For a long time, Ukraine’s educational system was praised, especially in mathematics and technical disciplines, largely due to its Soviet-era foundations. However, this perception changed in 2018 when Ukraine participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) for the first time. The results were concerning: one-third of 15-year-old students lacked basic math skills, while 26% failed to reach the minimum proficiency level in reading and science.

This wake-up call led to significant reforms. In 2018, Ukraine began transforming its education system through the New Ukrainian School initiative. By 2020, the Ministry of Education and Science approved the Higher Education Development Strategy for 2021–2031, identifying the most critical fields for the future: advanced technologies, IT and data science, sustainable production, and healthcare. To prepare students for careers in these areas, Ukraine has been increasingly integrating STEM education.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Unlike traditional subject-based learning, STEM education emphasizes an integrated approach – focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on application of knowledge. Originating in the U.S. in 2009 through the Educate to Innovate initiative, STEM education encourages students to apply their skills to real-world social, economic, and technological challenges.

Despite its importance, STEM education in Ukraine faces several challenges. First, teaching technical subjects requires specialized equipment and well-equipped laboratories. Second, highly trained educators with expertise in STEM fields are essential for delivering quality education.

The government has made efforts to equip schools and establish laboratories, but funding remains insufficient to fully meet the demand. The situation has worsened since the full-scale war began in 2022, as many educational institutions have been damaged or destroyed, shifting priorities toward rebuilding efforts.

Amid these challenges, various organizations have taken on the mission of promoting STEM education. One such organization is the NGO “Association Noosphere,” which engages students through interactive events, competitions, and challenges designed to make learning fun and engaging. For over eight years, Association Noosphere has focused on three key areas: space exploration, robotics, and engineering. In 2024 alone, its events attracted more than 40,000 participants.

Thanks to its collaboration with the REC Foundation, Noosphere has also introduced Ukraine to VEX Robotics, a U.S.-based platform that teaches students how to build and program robots. Ukrainian students can participate in virtual VEX robotics competitions organized by Noosphere or attend offline events in Dnipro.

One notable initiative was the October VEX Roboweek, a two-day STEM course for schoolchildren in Dnipro. Participants learned to assemble and program robots, culminating in a competition where teams put their creations to the test.

Another growing STEM discipline in Ukraine is rocketry. Noosphere has partnered with the Ukraine Spacemodelling Sports Federation to offer workshops where students build and launch their own rockets.

Additionally, in 2023, Association Noosphere launched the Noosphere Tech Intensive summer school, blending multiple STEM disciplines. Teenagers from Dnipro and Dnipropetrovska oblast participated in workshops on robotics, cybersecurity, rocketry, and astronomy, all focused on solving real-world challenges through teamwork and innovation.

These initiatives are crucial in developing a new generation of technical leaders in Ukraine. Today’s participants in STEM workshops and competitions may become tomorrow’s top engineers, driving the nation toward a successful and innovative future.