Supported through funding from the Orica Impact Fund, a partnership between Orica Digital Solutions and STEM Punks Education is helping build long-term STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) capability in Papua New Guinea by providing students and educators with practical learning experiences, industry connections and resources that support future opportunities. 

Delivered over a two-week period across four schools in Lae, the 2026 PNG School Program was designed to strengthen STEM education through hands-on learning, teacher development and sustainable classroom resources. The program reached 778 students and 36 teachers, creating opportunities to develop skills in coding, engineering, problem-solving and innovation. Through teacher development and ongoing classroom delivery, the program is expected to extend its impact to more than 1,500 additional students in the years ahead. 

Creating opportunities through practical STEM learning

For many students, the program offered a chance to experience STEM beyond the traditional classroom. Through project-based activities and real-world challenges, students explored how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can be applied to solve practical problems and support future career pathways. 

Students from primary and secondary schools participated in activities designed to strengthen scientific understanding, computational thinking, creativity, teamwork and confidence. By connecting learning to real-world applications, the program helped students see how STEM skills can create opportunities within their communities and across industries. 

Building capability beyond the classroom

A key focus of the initiative was creating impact beyond the workshop delivery period. Teachers participated alongside students and received professional development designed to strengthen confidence in delivering STEM-based learning and project-based classroom activities. Participating schools also received reusable STEM resources, including BBC micro:bit devices, lesson plans and learning guides that can continue supporting future student cohorts. 

This investment in educators helps create a multiplier effect, enabling teachers to continue delivering STEM learning long after the program has concluded. 

“The support provided to our teachers, together with access to practical STEM resources, also creates benefits that extend beyond a single event. It strengthens our school's capacity to continue delivering engaging STEM learning experiences for future students.” 
- Greg Neville, Principal of Lae International School

Connecting education with future opportunities

The program was designed to help students understand how STEM skills are applied in industry and how innovation contributes to safer, more sustainable and productive operations. Real-world examples connected classroom learning with technology, engineering, sustainability and future career pathways. 

The initiative also demonstrated the value of creating stronger connections between education and industry, helping students see how the skills they develop today can support future opportunities.

“The program was highly motivational and provided an excellent starting point for students considering future pathways in science and mathematics. The positive response from principals, teachers, and students demonstrated its value.” 
- Kevin Lot, Orica Operations Manager, PNG

Showcasing innovation and problem-solving

The program concluded with a STEM Fair and Student Showcase at Lae International School, where students presented projects addressing real-world challenges through creativity, engineering and technology. Projects explored themes including renewable energy, robotics, prosthetic technologies and home security systems, demonstrating how students could apply structured problem-solving approaches to develop practical solutions. 

The showcase highlighted more than technical knowledge. Students demonstrated communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills while presenting their ideas, explaining their design choices and responding to questions about their prototypes. 

Creating a lasting legacy

Feedback from participating schools highlighted the positive impact the program had on both students and educators. School leaders reported increased student engagement, stronger confidence in STEM subjects and greater awareness of future learning and career opportunities. They also recognised the value of investing in teachers and providing schools with resources that can continue delivering benefits well beyond the original engagement. 

By combining hands-on STEM education, teacher development and sustainable learning resources, the program is helping strengthen local capability and expand access to quality STEM learning across participating communities. 

"This investment is creating a lasting legacy for PNG schools, expanding access to quality STEM education, strengthening connections between education and industry, and inspiring the next generation of Papua New Guinean innovators and technology leaders."
— Michael Holmstrom, CEO, STEM Punks Education

Supported through funding from the Orica Impact Fund, the program demonstrates how collaboration between education, industry and community partners can create lasting impact. 

By building capability in both students and educators, the initiative is helping expand access to STEM learning, strengthen local expertise and inspire the next generation of Papua New Guinean innovators, problem-solvers and future STEM leaders.