The Energy Sustainability Agency (AgenciaSE), through the Educa Sostenible program of the Ministry of Energy of Chile, launched the initiative “Experiencia Encuentros Educa Sostenible STEAM”, an educational activity that seeks to inspire girls, boys, and adolescents in the Maule region through direct interaction with women leaders in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM).
The meeting, held at the DTC+ Space of the University of Talca in Curicó, brought together 80 students from 5th to 8th grade from schools in Talca, Curicó, Rauco, and Hualañé. The young participants engaged in a circuit of brief conversations with 10 STEAM mentors, who shared their stories, experiences, and motivations in traditionally male-dominated fields such as energy, engineering, and technology.
A transformative day
During the activity, the students talked with authorities from the energy and educational sectors, in addition to participating in educational activities organized by the University of Talca. Among them was a visit to a bus with scientific experiments, designed to spark curiosity and foster interest in science and energy.
“Promoting the participation of girls in scientific and technological areas not only addresses a historical debt but is key to advancing towards a just energy transition, inclusive and with equal opportunities. These experiences allow us to sow vocations and break gender stereotypes from an early age,” said Francisca Valenzuela, head of the Gender and Human Rights Office of the Ministry of Energy.
Vocations born from experience
The initiative allowed students to discover new academic and professional possibilities:
- Kevin Murillo, from 6th grade, expressed his interest in studying Photovoltaic Engineering, a career he was unaware of until the meeting.
- Florencia Muñoz, from 8th grade, was motivated by topics related to mechanics and mining after listening to the professionals.
These experiences show how direct contact with STEAM leaders can awaken vocations and broaden horizons at an early age.
Mentors who inspire
The mentors highlighted the students’ willingness to listen and learn.
“The truth is that they motivated us to continue influencing more children about the STEAM world,” said Miriam Monsalve, Civil Engineer in Civil Works.
Meanwhile, Érika Ubilla, Seremi of Energy of the Maule Region, emphasized:
“With this initiative, the Maule Region positions itself as a leader in educational innovation with a gender perspective, contributing to the development of future generations capable of leading the challenges of climate action and the transition to clean energy.”
Educational innovation with an inclusive approach
The Experiencia Encuentros is part of the guidelines of Educa Sostenible – STEAM, which promotes energy sustainability at all educational stages and fosters a conscious and proactive citizenry in the energy transition.
The project aims to:
- Enhance the self-confidence of children and adolescents.
- Strengthen interest in STEAM disciplines.
- Apply a creative and innovative educational methodology with a human rights approach.
- Reduce educational gaps and develop cross-cutting scientific and technological competencies.
The initiative is implemented by the SEREMI of Energy of Maule, with the support of the University of Talca in the DTC+ Space, a place for scientific meeting and dissemination that reinforces the connection between education, sustainability, and gender equity.
Chile is advancing in building an inclusive energy education, where the gender perspective and female leadership in STEAM are pillars for a just and sustainable energy transition. Experiences like that of Maule demonstrate that sowing vocations from an early age is key to forming generations capable of facing the challenges of climate change and leading the future of clean energy.
