The GSTEP is a programme to encourage junior high school students to think about innovation and creativity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by developing solutions to problems in their local communities.

The teams, comprising four to six members were selected out of 1,200 entries.

An induction event held separately in Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti regions brought together all teams within each region to celebrate their selection and introduce them to the programme. 

The teams participated in a series of STEM activities and participated in workshops in business plan development, financing and budgeting.

They were also introduced to the concept of prototyping to provide them with the needed knowledge to develop models of their ideas.

The teams were also introduced to their mentors and coaches who will support them to develop their business plans and provide them with the technical knowledge and skills to develop their ideas. 

They will participate in a series of mentoring sessions where they will understand and develop their own business plans and develop skills in communication and presentation. 

Each team is also assigned a technical coach who will provide them with technical knowledge and skills and support them to develop a model of the idea they submitted for the Challenge.

The students will participate in a series of activities and events where they will be introduced to practical applications of STEM by industries and institutions.

Upon completion of their projects they will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who will decide on the winners of the Challenge.

The GSTEP Challenge is being implemented by a consortium led by DreamOval Foundation including MEST Africa, DEXT Technology, Foundervine and Challenge Works. 

The programme is funded by Fondation Botnar, a Swiss philanthropic organisation focused on improving the wellbeing of young people and children.