Deadline: 31-May-2026
UNICEF is seeking Expressions of Interest to strengthen Science and Mathematics education in Jharkhand, with a strong focus on girls’ participation, STEM learning outcomes, and quality secondary education. The initiative supports teacher training, experiential STEM learning, gender-responsive education, and expansion of evidence-based learning models across residential and secondary schools. The programme has an indicative budget of 7,000,000.
UNICEF STEM Education Initiative in Jharkhand
The initiative by UNICEF focuses on improving Science and Mathematics learning in Jharkhand, particularly for girls in secondary education.
The programme aims to strengthen teaching quality, improve conceptual understanding, and increase participation in STEM education through practical and inquiry-based learning methods.
Key Focus Areas
The initiative supports:
- Science and Mathematics learning improvement
- Experiential and inquiry-based teaching methods
- Teacher training and mentoring
- Gender-responsive STEM education
- Girls’ participation in Science and Mathematics
- STEM laboratories and digital learning systems
- State-level learning communities and subject expertise
- Expansion of STEM learning models to more schools
Background and Need
Despite improvements in elementary education in India, secondary education challenges remain significant in Jharkhand.
Major challenges include:
- Teacher shortages
- Poverty and migration
- Limited access to secondary schools
- Weak Science and Mathematics learning outcomes
- Gender stereotypes discouraging girls in STEM
- Dependence on private coaching and lack of subject teachers
Existing Programme Support
UNICEF has already supported:
- 82 residential schools across 7 districts
- Teacher training and academic mentoring
- STEM kits aligned with school curriculum
- Establishment of STEM laboratories
- Continuous support for experiential learning methods
Teachers have reported increased confidence, while girls are participating more actively in experiments, model-building, and problem-solving activities.
Next Phase Priorities
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen grade-appropriate teaching competencies
- Continue support to existing schools
- Expand to underserved areas like Palamu division
- Extend STEM models to secondary day schools
- Institutionalize quality STEM education systems statewide
Indicative Budget
- Indicative programme budget: 7,000,000
Expected Outcomes
The initiative aims to:
- Improve Science and Mathematics learning outcomes
- Reduce gender disparities in STEM education
- Increase student engagement and confidence
- Strengthen teacher professional development systems
- Create scalable and evidence-based STEM learning models
Who Can Participate
The initiative targets:
- Residential and secondary schools
- Teachers and education institutions
- Government education systems
- Girls and underserved student populations
Why This Initiative Matters
The programme addresses learning gaps and gender inequality in STEM education while helping girls gain confidence and skills in Science and Mathematics. It also strengthens long-term education systems and teacher capacity across Jharkhand.
FAQ
- What is the focus of the UNICEF initiative?
- Strengthening Science and Mathematics learning in Jharkhand schools
- Improving girls’ participation and STEM outcomes
- Which schools are covered?
- Residential schools and selected secondary schools
- Expansion to underserved regions is planned
- What teaching approach is promoted?
- Experiential and inquiry-based STEM learning methods
- What support is provided?
- Teacher training, STEM kits, mentoring, and STEM laboratories
- What is the programme budget?
- The indicative budget is 7,000,000
Conclusion
The UNICEF STEM initiative in Jharkhand aims to create a scalable and gender-responsive Science and Mathematics education model that improves learning outcomes, strengthens teacher capacity, and increases girls’ participation in STEM pathways.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.