Ipazia - women against environmental challenges

<< Background >>The IPAZIA project was conceived to address three critical gaps: the low representation of women in STEM, the disconnect between vocational education (VET) and labor market needs, and the lack of participatory approaches in environmental problem-solving. Data shows that only 34% of STEM graduates are women, limiting their opportunities in emerging green and tech sectors. Simultaneously, VET students often struggle to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, creating a mismatch between education and labor market demands. The project aimed to bridge this gap by engaging students in hands-on sustainability challenges in partnership with local businesses. By integrating formal and non-formal learning, IPAZIA empowered young women to take leadership roles, fostered digital and intercultural competencies, and promoted innovative environmental solutions. The need for sustainable, collaborative, and gender-inclusive education models drove us to apply, ensuring long-term benefits for students, educators, and local economies.<< Objectives >>The IPAZIA project aimed to empower young women in STEM, bridge the gap between vocational education (VET) and labor market needs, and promote innovative solutions to environmental challenges. We sought to increase the attractiveness of STEM and VET for girls, addressing gender disparities by providing role models, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experience in sustainability projects. By engaging students in real-world problem-solving, we wanted to strengthen their digital, STEM, and intercultural skills, fostering creativity, innovation, and active citizenship. Another key objective was to connect education with local businesses, ensuring that students could apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, helping companies address pressing environmental issues. Through collaborative, interdisciplinary learning, we aimed to create a replicable educational model, equipping students with the competencies needed for the green and digital transition, while making STEM more inclusive and socially relevant.<< Implementation >>The IPAZIA project was structured into two phases: Networking and Challenging Pollution, integrating formal and non-formal learning to strengthen STEM education and sustainability awareness. In the Networking phase, we partnered with VET providers to engage students in STEM-focused training. We conducted mutual training sessions, where partners developed courses on global environmental challenges, art-based inclusion methods, and the gap between VET and labor market needs. These resources were made available on Moodle and EU platforms to ensure broader impact. During the Challenging Pollution phase, students conducted environmental analyses, surveying local businesses to identify sustainability challenges. They worked with STEM teachers to develop practical, innovative, and transferable solutions, addressing waste management, energy efficiency, and circular economy practices.<< Results >>The IPAZIA project delivered tangible educational resources, student-led solutions, and strengthened collaboration between VET providers and businesses. The main outputs include a Toolkit compiling student-developed environmental solutions and a set of guidelines to help other institutions replicate the approach. A digital booklet (Toolkit/Handbook) was created as result, after analyzing local environmental challenges and business needs, supporting practical learning. Students engaged in hands-on STEM activities, applying their knowledge to real-world problems, enhancing their digital, environmental, and intercultural competencies. Teachers adopted new participatory methodologies, improving the connection between education and labor market needs. The project also fostered increased interest in STEM among young women, contributing to gender inclusivity in VET. The final mobility event in Portugal enabled students to present solutions internationally, strengthening their problem-solving and leadership skills. Dissemination activities on EU platforms ensured the project's long-term impact and replicability across Europe.