Inspiring the Next Generation: IVLP and STEAM Education

WATCH THE RECORDING HERE

Through the IVLP Impact Awards initiative, recent alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program administer community impact projects that bring the experiences of their exchange program home to their communities and promote innovative solutions to shared global challenges. 

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Meridian International Center hosted a virtual panel of IVLP Impact Awardees who have made significant strides in promoting science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) education among youth. The panel was moderated by Véronique Gré Douniama-Lonn (Republic of Congo) and featured panelists Adela Beca (Romania), Lujain Elaujalli (Libya) and Liz Quispe Santos (Peru).

Some key takeaways from the discussion were:

1. "It is possible to change the world, even if it happens on slow time frames"

These encouraging words were shared by Dr. Allison Schwier, Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, who gave opening remarks for the session. She spoke about the importance of the innovation ecosystem, remarking, “The really important pieces of innovation are...student mobility and research mobility. Things like the IVLP program...are reasons that international cooperation is able to thrive, and these things are extremely important for science and technology because we constantly need people thinking about these problem sets with different backgrounds, with different experiences, with different disciplines, and across borders, because that’s how we can make the best solutions that actually solve the problems that communities around the world are facing.”

With this framing, the panelists spoke about how their projects are equipping the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, art, and math with the skills they will need to take on the global challenges mentioned by Dr. Schwier. In the Republic of Congo, Véronique's project educated 15 young women through a four-day bootcamp because, as she remarked, "I see that young women abandon their studies," so her bootcamp combatted this phenomenon by combining hands-on practice in hard skills ranging from solar panel construction to website building, with discussion of funding opportunities for scientists and leadership so that the participants can continue their ventures independently.

In Romania, Adela's project combines an in-person workshop with an online training component to equip 60 students who are training to be teachers with the skills of "focused hands-on interactive STEM activities. " It also educates them about the importance of sharing inspiring stories of women scientists to encourage their future students.

Liz's project took place in Peru. Since she noticed that "the jungle needs a lot of educational resources," her project is focused on 40 children of coffee and cocoa farmers. She is providing them with the necessary skills to bring a scientific lens to this sector and enhance the participants' educational prospects.

Lujain summarized her project in Libya: "My main goal of the project, "She is a Pioneer," was to raise awareness, establish a culture of women's empowerment, and build a more integrated and inclusive society." She trained 30 young women in programming, entrepreneurship, and project management.

2. "All the connections I made in the IVLP planted seeds"

This was how Adela began describing her exchange experience, which she took part in with Liz.  Both of these panelists participated in the IVLP project Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM, organized by the Institute for International Education in partnership with Global Ties Alabama, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, WorldOrlando, Gulf Coast Diplomacy, World Partnerships, Inc., WorldChicago, WorldBoston, NC Global Leadership, and International Focus, Inc. Adela remarked that, "As probably everyone says, it's really, really hard to pick a favorite city" from her IVLP experience, but she noted that, "I particularly enjoyed my time in Boston visiting all the universities. I remember that at MIT I discovered a fantastic hands-on engineering program for girls.... Orlando was equally unforgettable. So, I was blown away by the Kennedy Space Center, it's my new Disneyland!"

Liz shared that her most impactful visit was "in Alabama; I was very intrigued by the ecosystem and the investigations being done, all the stakeholders in STEM education, we went to tech companies, we went to colleges and universities, we went to communities where women are leading and... I would always ask the same question: 'How is this sustainable? These initiatives, these projects, how can they be sustainable in the long run?' and they would all answer the same way: 'The only way is collaboration. Integrate [with] everyone. Involve government, enterprise, NGOs, that's the entire ecosystem. From the citizen to the organizations' and with that experience, I was able to bring [these ideas] back to my country."

Lujain participated in the IVLP Project Women Leaders - Promoting Peace and Security, organized by World Learning in partnership with Utah Global Diplomacy, WorldChicago, and WorldOrlando. Lujain cited many sources of inspiration from her IVLP experience, including discussions about the theory of change at the Peace and Justice Institute in Florida and how the APNA-GHAR Foundation in Chicago is supporting vulnerable women in tech. She also mentioned a meeting with Anna Eskamani, a member of a Florida House of Representatives who "encouraged me to believe that [a] person can be [a] leader or can achieve the success whatever the gender or origin or race" and remarked that, "I learned from a question posted in the Utah Women Leadership Project. That question is, 'What can I do to enhance women's influence?' I benefit from the experience provided by women who helped each other to achieve success."

Véronique, who took part in the IVLP Project Empowering Congolese Women in Science Through a U.S. Perspective, organized by the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Global Ties Akron, Gulf Coast Diplomacy and the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, stated that "it was a real honor to be part of the IVLP last year. It was a moment that completely changed everything in my mind; opened new paths of reflection for me, that allowed us to create the bootcamp." She elaborated, "In Pensacola, we went to the MESS Hall [museum], STEM Innovation summer camp, and Western Florida University. What inspired me the most was the way in which children were inspired to like science, to practice science. But especially in the university it was how they were able to retain young women and help them to continue their studies in science and to go further in science."

3. "The only way to advance and achieve this prosperity at all levels is to come together."

This was among the advice and strategies Liz shared when asked how her IVLP exchange influenced her current work and project, saying, "This is a powerful message I have taken from the IVLP program." Liz went on to talk about the importance of tailoring local solutions to local issues and having clear project goals. The other panelists agreed and noted the importance of collaboration as well. Lujain shared that "by making partnership or make[ing] your network bigger and bigger, you will take a lot of benefit from it. So, focus on the relationship, focus on networking, focus to create a new opportunity, create a new chance." She gave examples of this, such as how she is collaborating with the International University in Benghazi, as well as large companies in Libya, to provide mentorship and resources to her trainees.

Adela also shared her recommendations to others with similar projects: "Start small but think strategically from the very beginning. Begin with doing your research, understand the specific needs and challenges in your community and test your ideas on this smaller scale...use this initial phase to explore and refine your approach. Identify what works, what needs improvement, and what has the potential to for a greater impact." Adela circled back to the importance of collaboration that Liz and Lujain mentioned as she continued, "Don't be afraid to share your vision and ask for support; you will be surprised how many people are willing to join your initiative, and if they see your passion and believe in your project, you will find support where you don't expect. So, stay committed to your mission and driving force and trust that your efforts will inspire others."

4. "The sky is not the limit"

Liz shared that this is one of her favorite phrases, especially lately, as she described the doors that IVLP and her Impact Award project have opened, including paving the way to a program she is currently undertaking in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Peru, to allow Peruvian teenagers with an interest in STEAM to travel to the U.S. as well; "I said, 'I visited NASA, why not do a project for the youth so they can also experience that?' so, I'm thankful for all those people that believe in what we're doing."

Adela also shared a success story from her project: "The feedback I received has been incredibly encouraging, showing that these interventions have a lasting impact, sometimes greater than we can measure immediately. As Dr. Alison said, 'change is possible'... one of [my] participants said, 'before, I thought my role in supporting girls to access STEAM fields was to remain impartial, providing equality through my interactions with them. Now, I believe that female role models should be promoted to give them more confidence to pursue their aspirations regardless of the biases around them.'"

 "The impact of the IVLP is really incredible. We see all sorts of things and it completely transforms our way of thinking...with the IVLP program, it doesn't just end with us: we are inspired and challenged, and we are able to find within ourselves the power to help other people." - Véronique Gré Douniama-Lonn

If you have any questions, please reach out to the IVLP Impact Awards team at IVLPImpactAwards@meridian.org.

If interested in attending more IVLP Impact Award events, click here.