The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy promotes STEM education, innovation, and entrepreneurship among school learners (grades 1-12). The academy was launched in 2018 in partnership with the Free State Department of Education (FSDoE) to support the department in delivering quality education in schools. 

Through the services offered by the academy, school learners benefit from exposure to relevant resources and hands-on experiments that increase their understanding of the subjects they learn in school. The programmes offered in the academy broaden learners’ perspectives in terms of STEM careers as well as inspire them to consider entrepreneurship as a career choice.

Teachers’ skills are improved through regular workshops that are facilitated by experts in STEM fields.

4 strategic pillars underpin the many projects and activities run by the academy, namely:

• Upstream intervention (primary and secondary school learners)
• Teacher development
• Annual STEM Conference
• Research.

The STEM Academy supports CUT’s Vision 2030 of becoming “a leading African University of Technology, shaping the future through innovation”.

Current and Previous projects

CUT | CUT collaborates with government to upskill primary school teachers

OFM | Renewable energy: Free State institution sharpens teacher skills

CUT | CUT STEM Academy introduces high school learners to robotics

CUT | CUT and Eskom Expo for Young Scientists hosts continuation workshop

CUT | 4IR Summit hosted at CUT placed youth at the forefront of Free State Industry 4.0

CUT | Young Entrepreneurs awarded at the 2023 Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition.

CUT | CUT exposes Lejweleputswa Grade 9 learners to careers in STEM