STEM and multilingual skills (DM 65/2023) – State schools

Skills for the Future in State Schools: The STEM and Multilingualism Call (DM 65/2023)

 

The Ministry of Education and Merit is launching a strategic initiative for state schools, with Ministerial Decree 65/2023. This call is an extraordinary opportunity for schools to strengthen students’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills and their multilingual skills. Now is the time to invest in innovative learning pathways to prepare new generations for the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Why Are STEM and Foreign Languages Pillars of State Schools?

 

In today’s global landscape, STEM skills and command of several languages are no longer mere “extras”, but genuine pillars of individual and collective success. For state schools, this means:

• Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: Building a pool of young people ready to pursue careers in the most innovative and fastest-growing sectors.
• Opening Global Horizons: Giving students the tools to interact in international settings, promoting intercultural dialogue and open-mindedness.
• Innovating Teaching: Introducing active, lab-based methods that make learning science and languages more engaging and meaningful.
• Reducing Gaps: Offering all students, regardless of background, the opportunity to access pathways of excellence, promoting educational equity.

State schools have a responsibility to be at the forefront in these fields, giving their students a well-rounded, future-oriented education.

DM 65/2023 Details for State Schools: What It Funds and How to Apply

 

Ministerial Decree 65/2023, published with public notice prot. no. 130341 of 9 November 2023, is specifically aimed at strengthening key skills for the 21st century.

Who is the call for? Project proposals may be submitted by all state schools in the first and second cycles of education. Each school may put forward its own project.

Which Projects Are Funded? Funding is intended for projects that aim to:

• Strengthen the teaching of STEM subjects: This includes setting up new labs, purchasing cutting-edge equipment (e.g. robotics, coding, 3D printers) and introducing innovative teaching methods (e.g. computational thinking, lab-based learning).
• Strengthen multilingual skills: Funding will cover language enhancement pathways, the introduction of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) methods, cultural exchanges and preparation for international language certifications.
• Projects must also include language training pathways for teachers, in order to strengthen their skills and support the introduction of bilingual teaching.

It is essential that projects guarantee equal opportunities and gender equality in their methodological approach and in STEM guidance activities.

Available Resources and Allocation: A total of €20 million has been allocated to these crucial initiatives. Each state school will be assigned a specific amount of funding, which can be viewed on the platform “Futura PNRR – Gestione Progetti” platform. The amount will include a fixed share of €5,000.00 for each school, plus a variable share calculated in proportion to the number of students in the 2022-2023 school year.

Deadlines to Remember: Interested schools must submit their project proposals by 30 December 2025 at the latest. The deadline for awarding service contracts has been extended, with the new date set for 20 December 2024. The project completion date remains unchanged, but it is essential to consult the official notice for specific details.

Your State School at the Forefront of Change

 

This call is a unique opportunity for state schools to transform their educational provision, aligning themselves with European and international standards of excellence. The ability to put forward ambitious, well-structured projects will be the key to accessing these funds and making a difference.