Bringing STEAM to Life in Banat: How the SENSE Caravan Connected Young Romanians with Future-Ready Skills and Opportunities
In October 2024, GEYC took STEAM education on the road through Romania’s Banat region, creating a unique experience for hundreds of participants, including students, teachers, engineers, artists, NGO representatives, and community leaders. Over the span of five days, the SENSE Caravan traveled to four cities—Lugoj, Timișoara, Reșița, and Oțelu Roșu—to bring STEAM closer to the community, thanks to the Horizon Europe-supported SENSE project. The Caravan’s purpose? To ignite interest in these fields and show just how transformative they can be.
The Journey Through Banat: Bringing STEAM to New Heights
First Stop: Lugoj – Building Connections and Community
The journey began at the “Traian Grozăvescu” Cultural House in Lugoj, a hub of local culture that set the stage for an inspiring day of learning. Over 100 participants had the opportunity to dive into three local STEAM initiatives and explore European opportunities that support STEAM careers and skills. The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from GEYC, local partners, cultural institutions, students, and teachers. Together, they discussed STEAM’s role in career growth, local development, and how European initiatives could open doors for young people in Banat.
Local partners in Lugoj included the Traian Grozăvescu House of Culture, FOA Association, Timiș Students Association, Lugoj Youth Center and several local high schools, including “Anișoara Odeanu” Secondary School, “Valeriu Braniște” Technological High School, “Iulia Hașdeu” Theoretical High School, “Aurel Vlaicu” Technological High School, “Coriolan Brediceanu” Theoretical High School.
For young people in Lugoj, the event offered a fresh perspective on how education and community support can transform ambitions into reality.
Next Stop: Timișoara – Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Inclusion
In Timișoara, the Caravan took on the challenge of breaking down stereotypes in STEAM fields and showing how art plays a crucial role in technology and science. Over 30 participants—including teachers, engineers, artists, students, and NGO representatives—joined a roundtable to explore topics such as the impact of STEAM on youth education and the value of inclusion in these fields.
The conclusion was that STEAM can become a language of social inclusion, through which we can encourage girls to be more active in these areas and combat stereotypes related to gender, origin, religion, etc. Here, our local partners were: University of Life Sciences ‘King Michael I’ Timișoara, High School of Fine Arts Timișoara, Students Association of Timiș, Timișoara Sfera Association.
Reșița – Hands-On Learning and Local Impact
In Reșița, the Caravan met with over 60 students from local high schools, hosted by Colegiul Național “Traian Lalescu” and supported by Reșița City Hall. The day included an engaging panel on how European projects are helping young people in Reșița prepare for the future and what STEAM opportunities they have in the area. Local and European project representatives shared personal stories about how these initiatives shaped their careers and encouraged youth to take advantage of similar opportunities.
A standout feature of the event was a hands-on activity where students explored the senses within STEAM education by creating perfumes—a fun and interactive way to make science tangible. In partnership with Reșița City Hall, Banatul Montan Community Foundation, Nevo Parudimos Association, Traian Lalescu National High School, Sabin Păuța Art High School, “Diaconovici-Tietz” National High School, Traian Vuia Theoretical High School, Reșița Technical High School Reșița’s event turned theoretical knowledge into an interactive learning experience.
Oțelu Roșu – Igniting Local Ambitions
The final leg of the journey was at Oțelu Roșu High School, where over 70 participants gathered. For some, the event was an introduction to European projects that could support their personal and academic goals. In the opening panel, speakers encouraged young people to explore projects that meet their unique needs and interests, emphasizing the role of these types of initiatives in the social inclusion efforts both educational and civil society actors are making.
In the second half, participants discussed European project types and how they could transform their STEAM ideas into fundable projects, with support from local organizations like the Banatul Montan Community Foundation. This final stop showcased the possibilities available to students, showing them that STEAM is not just a field of study but a bridge to opportunities.
Making a Lasting Impact on Young Minds and Communities
Through its five-day journey, the SENSE Caravan reached nearly 300 people, bringing STEAM education to life in the Banat region. From students to teachers, NGO representatives to local leaders, participants saw firsthand how STEAM can become the language of inclusion and transform their lives and communities. By combining interactive activities, panel discussions, and real-world examples of STEAM applications, the Caravan demonstrated how STEAM fields can bring value and innovation to local communities.
The Next Chapter of SENSE
The success of the SENSE Caravan is a testament to how STEAM education can spark ambition, foster inclusion, and open new pathways for young people. At GEYC, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of STEAM enthusiasts and showing them that they don’t need to look far for opportunities—because these opportunities are already taking root right here in Romania.
Through this initiative, SENSE and GEYC are helping young people across Romania see that STEAM education is a powerful tool for building brighter futures and more inclusive communities.