Innovation often begins with young people who are curious, creative, and eager to make a difference. The GSTEP Youth Steering Group (YSG) is giving these young changemakers the space, skills, and confidence to make a social impact.
YSG brings together students who are passionate about STEM to become advocates in their various communities. Through mentorship, teamwork, and hands-on experience, they are learning how to lead with purpose and use STEM to create change in their communities. Their journeys tell a powerful story; growth, determination, and hope for a better future.
When Queendela Dzokoto first heard about the YSG program, she didn’t think it would change her life. She was just a curious 17-year-old who loved STEM and wanted to help change the STEM narrative and bridge the existing gender gap.
Through the programme, Queendela found herself learning, growing, and stepping into leadership roles she never thought possible. With determination and courage, she became the Outstanding Youth Ambassador of the Year(2025). “As a YSG ambassador, I’ve grown so much — in leadership, public speaking, and community engagement,” she says. “The experience helped me find my voice and a stronger sense of confidence.”
That confidence generated action. Queendela started STEAM Ignite Outreach, her own project where she visits Junior High Schools to inspire students to pursue STEM courses and introduces them to the GSTEP Challenge. “YSG helped me see what I’m capable of,” she says with a smile. “It pushed me to make an impact in my own way.”
Her story mirrors that of many others whose journeys through YSG have shaped who they are today. Kwabena Kyem Nartey, who served as Communications Lead for the 2025 YSG, says the experience opened his mind to new ways of thinking. “Being part of YSG gave me skills I use every day — teamwork, leadership, and communication. But more than that, it taught me how to think differently about solving problems.”
For Elijah Bentil, YSG was a personal transformation. “It has helped me with my leadership skills, how to solve problems, how to lead with purpose, and how to represent youth voices,” he shares. Elijah now leads with more confidence and encourages other young people in his community to embrace STEM and teamwork.
For Adelaide, a passionate tertiary student, YSG opened doors beyond academics. The mentorship and masterclasses, she says, offered lessons that extended into everyday life. “It taught me skills not just in the STEM space but for life as well.” Today, she visits Junior High Schools to inspire students to think creatively and embrace innovation.
For these ambassadors, YSG is a journey of discovery. They came in as curious students and walked away as confident changemakers — each carrying forward what they learned to inspire others.
YSG has become a place where young people learn, grow, and find their voice. It gives them the chance to discover what they can do and how their ideas can make a difference.
