Combating School Dropout Rates

Spain has the highest school dropout rate in the EU at 17.3 %, which is 7% higher than the EU average of 10.2%. These high dropout rates have significant socio-economic impacts on young generations that contribute to future unemployment and cycles of poverty. As one strategy to combat school dropout rates, United Way Spain conducts “Tech4Change,” an initiative providing disadvantaged youth the opportunity to innovate and explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) subjects.

In Spring 2021, United Way Spain, the Everis Foundation, and the Creática Association, completed the third edition of Tech4Change. The program consisted of seven modules covering different areas, including Design Thinking, Programming, Digital Manufacturing, and Prototyping. This year, the program adapted to meet COVID-19 guidelines through a hybrid approach of both in-person and online sessions. At the conclusion of the program, students developed a CO2 sensor that can measure and respond to the ventilation needs of the educational center. This device is replicable and demonstrates a successful collaboration between business and educational innovators.

Tech4Change centers its educational methodology around learning-by-doing. Students are put at the center of the educational experience, where they’re given the tools and support to improve their STEAM skills. The program encourages students to use their new skills for enacting social change through technological innovation. By fostering support and enthusiasm for STEAM, Tech4Change also seeks to minimize the gender gap in male-dominated STEAM fields.

While the main objective of Tech4Change is to lower school dropout rates and foster enthusiasm for STEAM in disadvantaged students, it also pursues several secondary objectives. These include developing soft skills in communication and interpersonal relationships, fostering self-confidence and a sense of belonging, self-discovery of unknown or undervalued skills, and eliminating inequality.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved with this project, and of employing technology as a catalyst to encourage more and more young people to discover scientific careers. With Tech4Change we are not only looking to help Spain get out of the number 1 position in the EU of school dropout rates, but also to empower high school boys and girls to see that they can achieve what they propose with the help of someone, in this case, the volunteer, and their effort,” Says Marina Fuentes Arredonda, Director of United Way Spain.

Throughout its three-year implementation, Tech4Change has reached 136 students with the help of 94 volunteers who dedicated over 1,050 hours.