Minister of Education discusses conditions for enrolling students in STEM schools

Minister of Education Amends Conditions for Enrollment in STEM Schools

Dr. Reda Hegazy, the Minister of Education, chaired a meeting of the Supreme Executive Committee for Schools of Excellence in Science and Technology (STEM) on Thursday. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the conditions and controls for enrolling third-grade preparatory students in schools for outstanding students, as well as testing mechanisms and the readiness of certain schools for the upcoming academic year 2023/2024. The committee also addressed maintenance work for educational buildings and accommodation, with a focus on resolving any issues that may hinder the educational process in these schools.

During the meeting, Minister Hegazy emphasized the ministry’s commitment to regularizing the educational process in STEM schools and ensuring that students receive distinguished educational and accommodation services. He also expressed the ministry’s intention to expand the number of STEM schools nationwide. Currently, there are 19 such schools in various governorates.

The minister highlighted the state’s interest in talented and creative individuals, as they play a crucial role in shaping the future. To ensure transparency and equal opportunities, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education has made it a criterion for enrolling third-grade students in STEM schools. As part of this effort, the Executive Committee has decided to provide greater opportunities to students who have obtained a preparatory certificate. Students with a score equivalent to 98% or more of the total can now apply to these schools, and the requirement for obtaining the final degree in at least three subjects (English Language, Mathematics, and Science) has been canceled.

Furthermore, students who have obtained a preparatory certificate with a total equivalent to 95% or more of the total can apply to enroll in STEM schools, provided they obtain the final grade in only one of the three subjects mentioned above.

To enhance the admission system mechanisms for STEM schools and ensure fairness and transparency, the National Center for Examinations and Educational Evaluation has been tasked with preparing multiple models for admission tests in collaboration with subject advisors.

Minister Hegazy also announced that the cost of educational services and accommodation for students in STEM schools specializing in science and technology will be covered by the ministry. Additionally, a committee will be formed to establish controls for accepting students who are unable to pay tuition fees, with exemptions being considered after conducting a case study of their families.

During the meeting, the minister discussed the provision of scholarships for graduates of STEM schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, aiming to encourage and support these students in their future endeavors.

The Executive Committee also reviewed the readiness of two new schools, namely New Cairo and District 11 in October, in terms of buildings, technological infrastructure, and their operation for the academic year 2023/2024. The readiness of the residence building at Luxor School was also assessed.

In addition, the committee approved the establishment of a school for outstanding students in science and technology in the city of Kharga, serving the people of the New Valley Governorate and providing them with distinguished educational services. Maintenance work for educational buildings and accommodation was also discussed and planned.

Other topics addressed during the meeting included the announcement date for the admission of new students, amendments to the mechanisms of their exams, and the announcement of job applications for STEM schools through the Professional Academy for Teachers. Furthermore, a summer camp for students of STEM schools who won the international ISEF competition was proposed to further develop their winning projects.

The meeting was attended by several officials, including Major General Yousry Salem, Assistant Minister for the Affairs of the General Authority for Educational Buildings, Dr. Ramadan Mohamed Ramadan, Assistant Minister for Evaluation and Examination Systems and General Supervisor of Assessment Works, Major General Ahmed Abdel Fattah, Head of the Central Department of Security, and other esteemed individuals from various departments and organizations.

The Minister of Education’s efforts to improve the conditions for enrollment in STEM schools and provide equal opportunities for talented students demonstrate the government’s commitment to fostering excellence in science and technology education. With the expansion of STEM schools and the implementation of transparent admission processes, Egypt is poised to nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders in these fields.

How will the state-of-the-art facilities and adequate teacher training in the new schools for outstanding students in Upper Egypt and the Delta region contribute to providing a high-quality education for students?

Ls for outstanding students in Upper Egypt and the Delta region, which will be operational starting from the next academic year. The committee stressed the importance of equipping these schools with state-of-the-art facilities and providing teachers with adequate training to ensure a high-quality education for students.

In addition to discussing the conditions for enrollment, the committee also addressed the maintenance work needed for existing STEM schools. Minister Hegazy emphasized that the ministry is committed to providing a suitable educational environment for students, and any issues hindering the educational process in these schools should be resolved promptly.

The amendments made to the conditions for enrollment in STEM schools reflect the ministry’s commitment to promoting and fostering talent in the fields of science and technology. By expanding the number of STEM schools nationwide and providing greater opportunities for students, the ministry is actively striving to create a thriving environment for talented individuals to excel and contribute to the country’s development.

The efforts to enhance the admission system mechanisms and ensure fairness and transparency reflect the ministry’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for all students. By involving the National Center for Examinations and Educational Evaluation and subject advisors in preparing admission tests, the ministry is working towards a comprehensive and standardized process for selecting students for STEM schools.

The decision to cover the cost of educational services and accommodation for students in STEM schools specializing in science and technology is a significant step towards making these schools accessible to all eligible students. Additionally, the formation of a committee to establish controls for accepting students who are unable to pay tuition fees demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to supporting financially disadvantaged students and ensuring their inclusion in STEM education.

The provision of scholarships for graduates of STEM schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research further highlights the ministry’s dedication to encouraging and supporting students in pursuing higher education and research in science and technology.

The readiness of two new schools for outstanding students in Upper Egypt and the Delta region underscores the ministry’s efforts to expand the reach of STEM education and provide opportunities for talented students in different regions of the country.

In conclusion, the meeting chaired by Minister Hegazy and the amendments made to the conditions for enrollment in STEM schools demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to providing a distinguished educational environment for talented students in the fields of science and technology. The ministry’s focus on fairness, transparency, and inclusivity reflects its dedication to fostering talent and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.