Resume
The Open Space Academy for STEM and Civic Leadership Programme is a youth-centred, school-embedded initiative implemented by Open Space Centre in partnership with Civil Connections Community Foundation. The project works with marginalised secondary school students aged 13–19 in Wakiso and Mayuge districts, Uganda, to strengthen civic agency, confidence, and the practical application of STEM to real-world challenges. Through a year-long In-School STEM and Civic Leadership Programme and a public-facing STEM Festival, students develop applied STEM skills, leadership capacity, and experience in dialogue and collective problem-solving. Student-led STEM clubs and civic dialogue forums provide spaces for participation, innovation, and engagement with school leadership and community stakeholders. The project improves the lives of participating youth by expanding access to engaging learning, strengthening confidence and voice, and enabling meaningful participation in school and community life.