About Us
Empowering the Next Generation Through STEMPrenuership Ethiopia Education and Innovation
Who We Are?
STEMPreneurship Empowerment Ethiopia is a nationwide initiative dedicated to establishing STEM + Entrepreneurship Clubs (STEMPreneurship Clubs) in high schools across Ethiopia. Our mission is to empower young individuals with essential STEM skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, enabling them to create sustainable solutions to real-world challenges.
The initiative is led by Daniel J. Lacks, PhD, Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary and International Initiatives and Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), in collaboration with Zemene Tegegn, PhD candidate and Gelfand Global Fellow at CWRU.
This work would not be possible without the dedication and leadership of our local team in Ethiopia, who play a vital role in grassroots coordination, school outreach, mentorship, and the day-to-day implementation of our vision on the ground.
Our Vision
- •Training Lab & Research Center: A space for hands-on learning, experimentation, and innovation events.
- •STEMpreneurship School: A future institution combining STEM, leadership, and creativity from nursery to secondary level.
- •National Innovation Ecosystem: A roadmap that includes project banks, competitions, curriculum integration, and youth empowerment.
Our Mission
- •Inspire Innovation and Leadership: Encourage creative thinking and problem-solving to tackle real-world challenges.
- •Provide Technical and Business Skills: Equip members with tools in coding, engineering, business modeling, and strategy.
- •Promote Community-Based Solutions: Focus on local innovation that supports economic growth and social change.
- •Spark Purpose-Driven Careers: Connect students to mentors, resources, and real-world projects that align technology with impact.
Recognition and Collaboration
- Awards & Competitions: Annual awards for innovation, leadership, and resilience, plus national expos and pitch events.
- Peer Recognition & Teamwork: Collaborative projects and peer-led celebrations strengthen community and mutual respect.
Innovation
Leadership
Impact
Our Commitment
About STEMPower
Key Missions:
- •Empower youth to solve real-world challenges through STEM and entrepreneurship
- •Strengthen national economies by completing the production value chain
- •Ensure equitable access to STEM education across gender and ethnicity
- •Provide historically underserved students with real lab experiences—not just books or simulations
- •STEMPower's enrichment programs aim to foster peace, innovation, and long-term development across sub-Saharan Africa.
The Gelfand Global STEMpower Initiative
The Gelfand Global STEMpower Initiative at Case Western Reserve University is a collaboration with STEMpower, an organization promoting pre-university STEM education in Ethiopia and neighboring countries to foster peace, innovation, and economic development.
Read MoreInspired by Mark Gelfand
Mark Gelfand, a physicist and entrepreneur from Boston, has dedicated his life to spreading hands-on science education across Africa. He founded STEMpower, launching over 100+ STEM centers in sub-Saharan Africa to equip youth with practical STEM and innovation skills. From building circuits in his childhood basement to empowering students in Ethiopia, his approach emphasizes dignity through doing. His story began with curiosity and continues with a mission: to help students change their lives and communities through science. Mark believes every child is a scientist, and that nurturing this curiosity can transform nations.
Read More
Our Journey
Milestones of Innovation and Growth
Chemical Micro-factory and Curriculum Development – Delo Mena
- Launched STEM programs in two high schools, reaching 375 students
- Designed and implemented a hands-on Chemical Engineering Lab curriculum
- Focused on oil extraction, soap production, and STEM-based entrepreneurship
Expansion of Chemical Engineering Lab – Colonel Aliyi Chiri High School, Delo Mena
- Trained 200 students in hands-on chemical engineering
- Continued hands-on STEM labs at Delo Mena High School
- Promoted STEM-based problem solving and entrepreneurship
PhD Student & Gelfand Global Fellow Returned to Ethiopia
- Led training for 149 students, 72 teachers, and 11 principals across 3 cities
- Established 14 STEMPreneurship clubs in high schools; 4 clubs active
- Mentored 13 student-led innovation projects
- Engaged with stakeholders: STEMPower, universities, schools, and city offices
- Built partnerships with industries for student project support and future internships
- Key schools: Batu Terara, Robe, Waqo Gutu, and Madawalabu Secondary Schools
Outreach at Madda Walabu University STEM Center (2 Months)
- Delivered 32 CH of hands-on STEM & entrepreneurship training
- Covered: Chemical Eng Lab, Technopreneurship, Design, Electronics, and Digital Skills
- Featured mentorship from SuperOva, university leaders, and local entrepreneurs
- Reached 75 students, culminating in a closing event with community participation
Expansion to Mojo City
- Expanded to Mojo City, East Shewa Zone in 2025
- Students embraced the opportunity to create solutions for local challenges
- Focus on community needs, future dreams, and leadership
Meet Our Leadership
A diverse team of experts passionate about STEMPrenuership club
Testimonials
Our students, alongside their teachers, conducted impressive experiments. Our natural science students learned how to make soap and oil, and showcased their work on an exhibition attended by fellow students, families, and esteemed guests. We’re deeply grateful to Case Western University and STEM Power for making this possible through student Zemen Sisay. You’ve truly inspired a love for science in our school.
Tasew Gemechu (Teacher)
Director of Mena Secondary School, Dello Mena
I am deeply grateful to Case Western University and Prof. Daniel Lacs for this golden opportunity. We were given access to a laboratory we had never seen before, allowing us to experience Chemistry and Biology in practice—beyond just theory. I sincerely hope this program continues for future students. Thank you.
Rahel Tilahun (Student)
From Mena Secondary School, Dello Mena
Being part of the STEMpreneurship Club has truly transformed the way I see the future. As a young woman in STEM, this club has empowered me to combine innovation with entrepreneurship, turning creative ideas into real-world solutions. I've gained hands-on experience in project development, teamwork, and leadership—skills that will serve me for life. Most importantly, the club has given me the confidence to believe that I can make a difference not just in science, but in business too.
Tion Kebede (Student)
From Megbarsenaiy school, Bale Robe
We worked on making soap and oil by mixing sodium hydroxide with oil to produce soap and glycerol. Before this, we only knew these concepts in theory—but now we've had the chance to do hands-on experiments. I sincerely thank Case Western University and Prof. Daniel Lacs for giving us this golden opportunity to bring classroom knowledge to life. I'm also grateful to our school for its openness and support in making this possible for students.
___ Husen MohamedAminAman (Student)
From Mena Secondary School, Dello Mena
Joining the STEMpreneurship Club has been a transformative experience—blending science, technology, and entrepreneurship into real-world impact. Through hands-on workshops, industry mentorship, and collaboration with like-minded peers, I’ve gained both technical skills and the confidence to innovate. This club bridges the gap between academia and the world of STEM innovation, empowering me to dream bigger and build smarter.
Aytegeb Tilahun (Student)
From Robe secondery school, Bale Robe