From the Classroom to the Future: How EITIC-EU is Breaking the First «Broken Rung» for Girls in STEAM

For years, discussions about gender inequality in STEM careers have focused on what happens in the workplace. Yet research and everyday educational practice show that the first barriers often appear much earlier—inside the classroom. Long before women face the «broken rung» in their professional careers, many girls experience small but significant moments that influence their confidence, participation and leadership in science and technology activities. These early experiences shape aspirations, self-belief and, ultimately, future career choices.

With this vision, the EITIC-EU – Fostering STEAM Careers among Schoolgirls through Women Role Models project, develops innovative educational resources that empower girls to actively participate, collaborate and take leadership roles in STEAM education.

Bringing the methodology into the classroom

During May 2026, 1st EPAL Ymittou successfully implemented the project’s pilot activities by testing two Open Educational Resources (OERs): Grace Hopper Debug Dash and Pitch Perfect Planet.

The pilot activities engaged secondary school students aged 15–16 in an inclusive learning experience that encouraged girls to actively participate, collaborate and develop confidence in STEAM. The activities also promoted the active inclusion of students from vulnerable backgrounds, while achieving a 100% completion rate, demonstrating the high level of engagement generated by the educational material.

Throughout the activities, students worked collaboratively, rotated responsibilities within their teams, solved authentic problems and developed creativity, communication and critical thinking skills. The methodology encouraged every participant to contribute equally, strengthening self-confidence while fostering a learning environment based on inclusion, teamwork and mutual respect.

The evaluation of the pilot confirmed the educational value of the material. Students demonstrated a stronger understanding of STEAM concepts, improved creative problem-solving skills and increased motivation to engage with science and technology. Facilitators also observed higher levels of participation, balanced collaboration and stronger confidence among the girls involved in the activities.

Sharing the results with the educational community

The successful completion of the pilot was celebrated through a Multiplier Event, organised at 1st EPAL Ymittou at the end of the school year.

More than fifty participants attended the event, including the Deputy Mayor of Ymittos, members of the Municipal Council, Educational Advisors, university professors, the Director of Gutenberg Publications, the Director of the Vocational Training Centre, school principals from neighbouring schools, representatives of the Parents’ Association, teachers, parents and students.

The event presented the objectives of the EITIC-EU project, the educational methodology and the classroom implementation of the learning activities. Through audiovisual material, participants followed the complete journey of the pilot implementation, observed students’ active engagement and explored the educational outcomes achieved throughout the project.

The discussion that followed highlighted the importance of creating learning environments where girls are encouraged not only to participate in STEAM activities but also to lead, collaborate and express their ideas with confidence. Participants recognised the project’s contribution to promoting gender equality in education and strengthening connections between schools, local authorities, universities and the wider community.

The pilot implementation at 1st EPAL Ymittou demonstrates that meaningful change begins inside the classroom. By offering equal opportunities to participate, experiment and lead, schools can help remove the first barriers that discourage girls from pursuing STEAM careers. The EITIC-EU project confirms that empowering girls today means creating a more innovative, inclusive and equitable society tomorrow.