The U.S. government, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Education, recently held a graduation ceremony for students from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) high schools located in Maadi and 6th October City. This event took place on Sunday, August 20.
These graduates represent the third cohort from Egypt's STEM high schools, which were established by the Ministry of Education in 2012 with assistance from the United States through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The schools focus on project-based education to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific research capabilities to meet modern economic demands. With President El-Sisi's backing, this educational model is being expanded nationwide and has been implemented in nine additional governorates with USAID support.
U.S. Embassy Cairo Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Goldberger stated: “The American people are committed to investing in Egypt’s future through science and technology education. Our partnership with the Ministry of Education on STEM education in Egypt reflects our long-standing commitment to Egypt and the Egyptian people.”
Minister of Education Dr. Tarek Galel Shawki served as the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony held in 6th October City and distributed certificates to students. USAID Mission Director Sherry F. Carlin shared her observations from visiting these schools: “At STEM schools I’ve visited throughout Egypt, students learn by thinking out of the box, by conducting experiments, and by working in teams,” said Carlin. “We applaud the innovative young scientists graduating today for using STEM to address development challenges in their communities.”
Since 1978, STEM schools have been part of a $30 billion investment made by Americans in Egypt through USAID. More information about USAID’s work in Egypt can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/egypt or on social media platforms Facebook and Twitter under @USAIDEgypt.