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In South Africa, over 60% of learners in township and rural schools never encounter a STEM professional before leaving high school. Without real-world exposure at the right moment — typically Grades 8 and 9, when subject choices lock in — talented young people default away from Mathematics and Science, not because they can't do it, but because they've never seen themselves in it.
STEM Ignited's Career Fairs change that equation.
Our STEM Space Career Immersion Days are structured exposure experiences — not passive field trips. Learners visit active scientific environments, engage directly with professionals from aerospace, engineering, and data science, and leave with a clearer picture of the pathways that connect their current subjects to real careers.
Our partnership with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) takes this further. SANSA's Space Operations Facility in Hartebeesthoek gives learners access to one of Africa's most advanced scientific environments — a working space operations centre that most South Africans never see the inside of. For a Grade 9 learner from Soweto or Limpopo, that experience is transformative.
Our Career Fairs are built for Grade 8 and 9 learners from township and rural schools approaching critical subject-choice decisions. We prioritise schools with limited access to STEM resources and target a minimum of 50% female participation in every cohort — because representation in STEM starts with who gets through the door.
According to Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment sits above 45%. Equipping young people with STEM career awareness — before they make irreversible subject choices — is one of the highest-leverage interventions available. The Department of Basic Education recognises subject choice as a critical gateway to tertiary access and economic mobility.
We actively seek corporate partners, government entities, and STEM organisations to co-host, sponsor, or participate in our Career Fairs. Whether you want to run a booth, fund learner transport, or connect your professionals with the next generation — there is a meaningful role for you.
Access to SANSA’s Space Operations facility, removing barriers for township learners. Guided exposure to active scientific and engineering environments. Engagement with aerospace, engineering, and data professionals. Interactive demonstrations and hands-on learning. Clear mapping of subjects → tertiary pathways → careers, and a focused session on subject selection and Mathematics motivation
Cutting-edge tech, innovative projects, and tools that showcase the future of STEM.
One-on-one opportunities to discuss career aspirations with experienced professionals.