The STEM Academy
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy promotes STEM education, innovation, and entrepreneurship among school learners in Grades 1 to 12. Launched in 2018 in partnership with the Free State Department of Education (FSDoE), the academy actively supports the department in delivering quality education in schools.
Through our programmes, learners benefit from exposure to relevant resources and hands-on experiments that deepen their understanding of school subjects. These initiatives broaden their perspectives on STEM careers and inspire them to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Additionally, teachers' skills are continuously improved through regular workshops facilitated by subject-matter experts, directly supporting CUT’s Vision 2030 of shaping the future through innovation.
Our Four Strategic Pillars
The many projects and activities run by the academy are underpinned by four core strategic pillars:
1. Upstream Intervention
Targeted, hands-on educational programmes designed specifically for primary and secondary school learners.
2. Teacher Development
Empowering educators through regular, expert-led workshops to enhance STEM teaching methodologies.
3. Annual STEM Conference
A flagship event bringing together learners, educators, and industry experts to share knowledge and inspire.
4. Research
Driving evidence-based approaches and academic inquiry to continuously improve STEM education outcomes.
The Academy in Action

Current and Previous Projects
Explore some of the impactful projects, collaborations, and media highlights driven by the STEM Academy.
- • CUT collaborates with government to upskill primary school teachers →
- • Renewable energy: Free State institution sharpens teacher skills (OFM News) →
- • CUT STEM Academy introduces high school learners to robotics →
- • CUT and Eskom Expo for Young Scientists hosts continuation workshop →
- • 4IR Summit hosted at CUT placed youth at the forefront of Free State Industry 4.0 →
- • Young Entrepreneurs awarded at the 2023 Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition →
- • CUT exposes Lejweleputswa Grade 9 learners to careers in STEM →