Clear role models, access to relevant networks and visible paths from school to working life can play a major role in whether young people continue developing their interest in STEM. In the district of Järva, that connection has been a central focus throughout 2025. 

Schools, universities and local companies have worked together to strengthen the curiosity for technology, mathematics and engineering among young people aged 13–19. The collaboration has combined hands-on activities with opportunities for students to meet professionals in STEM and see what these careers look like in practice. 

Alongside the practical work, Kista Science City, KTH, Stockholm University, Vetenskapens Hus and the City of Stockholm also conducted a pre-study mapping existing STEM initiatives in Järva. Through interviews with teachers and students, we gained a clearer view of where the ecosystem is strong and where additional structures are needed to support a more coherent path forward for young people. 

 

Bringing STEM closer to students

During 2025, students in lower secondary school met researchers, engineers, developers and other professionals working in STEM. Among the organisations involved were Stockholm University and its Game lab in Kista, KTH, Vetenskapens Hus, Ericsson, IBM, Kodcentrum, Rejlers, Knightec, My Dream Now, Funki, Rookie Startups, Changers Hub and the Stockholm Science and Innovation School. 

More than 400 students participated in activities ranging from workshops to school visits, giving them a chance to see how STEM is used in real settings.  

One highlight was Tech Day in Kista, where 120 students from year 7 and 8 explored different aspects of technology and engineering. Afterwards, 50 percent said they could imagine working in a STEM field in the future, an increase of eight percentage points compared with before the event. As one student put it:

“When they showed us the cool things you can do with technology, I got excited. I realised I might be able to work with something like that in the future, which I hadn’t thought about before.” 

 

Insights from 2025

Many initiatives, but limited coordination

The pre-study identified around 15 initiatives in Järva aimed at inspiring young people in STEM. Most of them focused on technology and some on mathematics through homework support. The range is wide, but the activities are not yet connected in a way that gives students a clear, continuous path forward. Schools, academia, civil society and industry all contribute, but stronger coordination is needed to bring these efforts together. 

 

Limited access to role models and networks in Järva

Many young people have limited contact with professionals and established networks within STEM. While interest and ambition are often high, continued engagement depends on whether students meet people working in the fields they are curious about and gain insight into real study and career paths. Teachers highlight that this challenge affects many students, and that the lack of networks and visible role models — particularly women in STEM — shapes how young people imagine their future options. 

 

Schools call for clearer progression and continuity in STEM education

Interviews with teachers and career counsellors highlighted the lack of structured STEM progression for students aged 13–16. Schools are asking for programmes, ideally developed together with industry and academia, that begin as early as year 7 and follow curriculum goals with clear steps forward. When students understand how their learning connects to further studies and career options, their motivation grows. 

 

Looking ahead: building long-term STEM pathways

The insights from 2025 have created a clearer foundation for how schools, industry and academia can work together going forward. In 2026, the collaboration continues with the aim of developing more structured STEM pathways that give students continuity over time. 

For companies and universities, this means staying close to the work taking place in schools and contributing with practical perspectives from their fields. Such involvement helps strengthen the link between what students learn in the classroom and the opportunities that exist beyond it. 

The long-term ambition is to create conditions where more young people in Järva can pursue their interest in STEM and see possible routes into further studies and future careers. 

 

Want to get involved? 

We welcome companies and organisations interested in contributing to upcoming activities or supporting the development of STEM pathways in Järva.

Contact nellie.skeppstedt@kista.com to learn more. 

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The pre-study was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).