Each new semester brings the opportunity to reframe goals and strengthen school projects. In addition to organizing the schedule and resuming activities, it is a good time to identify which people or organizations can enrich the learning process, especially when implementing STEM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). When different people and institutions combine knowledge, resources, and experiences, projects become stronger and more meaningful for the entire educational community.
A case in point is the “Cianobacterias” project, where collaboration with partners was crucial. The team was a finalist for Solve for Tomorrow in Uruguay, in 2023, and developed a simple device to help clean beaches affected by cyanobacteria. . For that, they had the support of other teachers from the high school, and also from the Technical School of Repairs, Naval Constructions and Annexes, which provided a pH meter to detect water conditions. In addition, the state department responsible for the supply of drinking water indicated the best places to collect cyanobacteria in the city.
Often, partnerships are not always about gaining access to funding or infrastructure , but about providing knowledge. This experience may come from other teachers in the school or professionals in the field, whether from collaborating institutions, known to students or teachers. In the project “Mechanization of coffee washing”, finalist of Solve for Tomorrow Peru, in 2023, an uncle of the students was an important partner who shared his knowledge as a farmer and industrial engineer, helping them develop a prototype that would ensure greater productivity and safety in coffee washing.
Teams developing STEM projects can also build strategic partners to scale their initiatives. “There is a lot of interest, even a lot of funds that can help,” says Juan Del Cerro, director of Socialab Mexico and technical partner of Solve for Tomorrow in the country.
The expert shares five recommendations for identifying strategic partners and turning a good idea into a larger project.
1. Reach out to communities already working in STEM
Finding partners does not mean starting from scratch. Today, there is an ecosystem of organizations, businesses, and professionals driving STEM education and innovation across Latin America. Del Cerro recommends starting by following these initiatives in professional networks and actively participating in networking opportunities. “There is a lot going on with calls, awards, events, forums where people discuss STEM. Once you start connecting and following organizations that are working on these issues, social media platforms usually start sharing more information with you,’ he advises.
That connection, according to Del Cerro, can be both online and in person, either through platforms like LinkedIn or by attending conferences and participating in scientific fairs and competitions. All of these opportunities help educators connect with people who can become future partners of the project.
2. Research what each potential partner is looking for
Not all institutions have the same goals. Some support environmental projects; others prioritize technology, artificial intelligence, inclusion, entrepreneurship, or social development. So, before submitting a proposal, it is advisable to understand their priorities and tailor the way you present your project. “Understand well what they are looking for and adapt your project towards that”, summarizes Del Cerro.
The specialist explains that often it is not necessary to modify the idea, but rather to present the project using the language and approach that best aligns with the priorities of the potential partner. In addition to thinking about how this possible partnership can help your project, Del Cerro advises that you reflect on what value your project can offer the partner.
When you’re looking to build a partnership, you always have to think that we should build win-win relationships, and nothing else that benefits you, says Juan Del Cerro.
3. Tell the story behind the project
A good technical solution is important, but it’s rarely the only thing that captures attention. What motivated the students? What problem did they notice in their community? Why did they decide to spend time solving it? For Del Cerro, that story can make a difference: “We connect with people, not projects,” he says.
Therefore, inviting students to tell the origin of their project and the impact they hope to generate helps build a much closer and more memorable proposal. “Putting a personal approach to your project, even from why it motivates you to solve the problem you are trying to solve with your project, can be a great differentiator in the eyes of an institution, an award or an evaluator, and that can help you connect,” explains.
4. Use calls as learning experiences
“I would recommend that they motivate their students to participate in many contests – and they’ll lose most of them. However, this exposure may open many doors to them in the future,” shares Del Cerro. For him, contests and educational programs offer much more than the chance to win a prize. They also represent opportunities to strengthen research skills, communication, creativity and collaborative work.
Therefore, he invites teachers to integrate these experiences into the pedagogical process. “The teacher has the role and the possibility of being much deeper in teaching, and participating in the contest becomes an experience.”
That means spending time researching the problem, analyzing success stories, developing prototypes, practicing presentations, and reflecting on the process with students. Even when a team is not selected, learning continues.
5. Protect your students’ work
Before establishing any partnership or participating in a call, Del Cerro recommends carefully reviewing the bases and conditions of participation, especially when kids or adolescents are involved. “It is important to pay attention to aspects such as intellectual property, the use of personal data and image-use permissions,” he says.
Partnerships can open doors to new learning, connections, and opportunities. Their greatest value, however, lies in partnerships built around shared goals and place at the center what repartner matters: offering meaningful learning experiences for students to develop solutions capable of transforming their community.
