JA Europe and J&J Hackathon Sparks Curiosity in STEM
November 24, 2020
The European Commission’s DigiEduHack hackathon is a series of idea-hackathons, both online and offline, focusing on co-creating the future of education in the digital age. Taking place over two days, DigiEduHack events aim to produce ideas and concepts that can have high impacts on society and innovate solutions for development. From November 12–13, JA Europe partnered with Johnson & Johnson for the first-ever online hackathon, STEMEduHack. Aiming to spark curiosity and foster long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, particularly among girls, the initiative provided new and creative solutions to promote STEM education and careers, a challenge made even more unique given the COVID-19 pandemic.
JA Europe received 188 team applications to compete, selecting 10 from Europe and one team from Uganda. Each team was challenged to imagine solutions that would increase the number of women and girls in STEM. Over the two-day challenge, the teams—all comprised of female members—worked with Johnson & Johnson volunteer business mentors. Each team then presented their solutions to a jury.
Of the 11 teams, the team from Moldova won JA Europe and Johnoson & Johnson’s STEMEduHack. Winning over the judges, team STEM (Strong Team of Moldova) envisioned a unique game that teaches players about STEM while building a dream city. To build the city, players complete STEM-related tasks that develop skills and provide more knowledge of STEM topics, highlighting the importance and presence of STEM in everyday life.
Watch the full webinar: