As part of preparations for the 2026 GSTEP Challenge, the GSTEP Consortium organized a series of virtual train-the-trainer sessions for teachers in Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, and Volta Regions. These sessions were designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively mentor students throughout the Challenge process.
In addition to teachers, regional STEM coordinators were invited to participate in the sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of how the GSTEP Challenge operates. Their inclusion ensured alignment across regions and strengthened support structures for both teachers and students participating in the program.
The online sessions provided participants with a thorough overview of the GSTEP Challenge, including its objectives, application process, judging criteria, and timelines. Teachers were also provided with application resources and a teacher guide to support the submission process. Facilitators shared practical guidance on helping students identify community challenges, develop innovative STEM-based solutions, and prepare high-quality applications. This structured approach ensured teachers could confidently guide their students from ideation to submission.
Participants were introduced to examples of past winning projects, allowing them to understand what distinguishes a strong submission. Interactive discussions and Q&A sessions provided opportunities to share experiences, ask questions, and explore strategies for integrating GSTEP activities into classroom settings.
By adopting a train-the-trainer approach, the GSTEP team recognized the pivotal role teachers play in student success. Equipped with this knowledge, educators are now able to support multiple student teams, providing mentorship, guidance, and encouragement that enables every student to develop practical solutions to real problems affecting their communities.
The virtual outreach sessions were highly engaging, leaving teachers energized, motivated, and ready to champion STEM innovation among students as the 2026 GSTEP Challenge progresses.
The 2026 GSTEP Challenge officially opens on 15th November 2025. Students from the four participating regions are encouraged to form teams of 4–6 and, with the guidance of their teachers, apply for the Challenge to develop STEM-based solutions addressing real community problems.
