What is the GSTEP Challenge?
The Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Prize (GSTEP) Challenge is a unique opportunity for young people to learn more about innovation, entrepreneurship and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It presents a new and exciting way for young people to engage with Science and Technology through practical learning, developing skills such as problem-solving, presentation skills, communication, teamwork and entrepreneurship skills.
The GSTEP Challenge provides all of the resources to take part, including lesson plans to support the application process, and additional training and mentorship for finalist teams.
Application Forms
You will need to make your submissions on the online application form. However, we highly recommend you draft your applications in this editable form before making your online submissions. This form is ready to download now.
Apply to the GSTEP Challenge by 18th November 2024! Only online applications will be accepted. Applications are now open!
Stages of the Challenge
You can see the breakdown of the seven (7) stages below:
(Scroll to see all)
Application stage
(14th October - 18th November 2024)
Semi - Finalist stage
( January - February 2025)
Pitching and Judging stage
(June 2025)
Homecoming
(September 2025)
Assessment
(November - December 2024)
Finalist stage
(March - May 2025)
Exhibition & Awards Ceremony
(July 2025)
The Themes
Live Healthier
Providing people with what they need to lead happy and healthy lives, including physical health and mental wellbeing.
Live Greener
Protecting the environment and saving the planet’s resources.
Live Together
Tackling social issues and helping people to live better together.
You can read more about this year’s themes in our Introduction Pack.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply if you:
- Attend a Junior High School (JHS)
- Live in the Greater Accra, Ashanti or Eastern region
- Have a team of 4-6 students
- Are being supported by an adult representative
Judging Criteria
The ideas will be assessed against the criteria below:
Category | Description |
---|---|
Impact | Have the team clearly explained the problem they are trying to solve? Is this a problem that needs solving? |
Innovation | Is the project an innovative idea that uses Science and Technology in a new way? |
Enterprising | Have the team clearly explained the steps they would need to take to turn their idea into a reality? Is the idea feasible? |
Teamwork | Have the team worked together effectively? |
Communication | Do the team have a clear plan for marketing and promoting their idea to their target audience? |
Risk Factors | Have the team thought about how they would make their idea safe? |
Resources
There are lots of supporting materials available to help you to submit your application. These include: