Call for EOIs: Implementation of the Girls-Targeted STEM Programme UniSat (Uzbekistan)

Deadline: 26-Aug-2026

The UNICEF UniSat STEM Programme seeks an experienced partner in Uzbekistan to deliver an innovative STEM education initiative for girls aged 16–24. The programme combines online learning, nanosatellite building and coding, a practical stratospheric launch, scientific data analysis, and career development to strengthen girls’ participation in science and technology and promote gender equality. What Is the UNICEF UniSat STEM Programme? UniSat is a hands-on STEM education programme designed to give young women in Uzbekistan practical experience in space science, engineering, coding, and data analysis. The initiative responds to gender disparities in STEM education and employment by providing girls with access to technical training and real-world scientific experiences. The programme also seeks to challenge gender stereotypes and social norms that can limit girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. What Will the Programme Provide? The selected implementing partner will deliver a structured programme combining online STEM education, practical training, mentorship, and career development. The programme consists of several stages. Four-Month Online STEM Course Participants will complete a four-month online learning programme covering technical and career-oriented subjects. Technical webinars will provide participants with practical knowledge, while guest speakers will introduce participants to STEM careers and professional opportunities. Seven-Day In-Person Bootcamp Top-performing participants will progress to a seven-day practical bootcamp.

During the bootcamp, participants will:

Apply the knowledge gained through online training. Work with nanosatellite technology.

Participate in the preparation and launch of nanosatellites

Launch nanosatellites into the stratosphere. Collect scientific information. Analyze environmental and scientific data. Develop mission findings and reports. The practical component is intended to transform theoretical STEM learning into real-world technical experience. Final Celebration and Mission Presentation The programme will conclude with a celebration event where participating girls present their mission findings. This provides participants with an opportunity to demonstrate: The UniSat programme has several specific participation and outcome targets.

The initiative expects:

At least 900 girls to apply. 250 girls to successfully complete the online course. 20 top participants to take part in the nanosatellite launch and practical mission activities. The 20 selected participants to produce mission reports. At least 5 girls to secure internships or employment with technology or science companies. These targets provide measurable indicators for evaluating the programme’s reach and impact. Funding Available The indicative budget for this partnership opportunity is: USD 75,000 The selected partner will be responsible for delivering the programme within the available budget and achieving the expected results. Applicants should therefore demonstrate strong programme management, realistic budgeting, and the ability to deliver both online and in-person activities. Who Is Eligible? The opportunity is intended for organisations with demonstrated experience delivering girls-focused educational, IT, or STEM programmes in Uzbekistan.

Eligible applicants should demonstrate:

Relevant experience in girls’ STEM education. Experience implementing educational IT or technology programmes. A qualified team of STEM trainers. At least five years of continuous experience working across Uzbekistan. Capacity to deliver online and face-to-face training. Strong programme management capabilities. Ability to monitor and measure participant outcomes. Previous experience working as a UN or UNICEF implementing partner is considered an advantage during the selection process. Target Beneficiaries The direct beneficiaries are girls aged 16–24 living in Uzbekistan. The programme is particularly focused on increasing their access to: STEM education. Space science. Engineering. Coding. Data science and analysis. Technology careers. Professional networks. Employment and internship opportunities. The wider objective is to contribute to greater gender equality in STEM education and employment. Why the UniSat Programme Matters Women and girls remain underrepresented in many science and technology fields. Programmes such as UniSat can help address this gap by giving young women access to practical technical experience rather than limiting STEM education to classroom-based learning. The programme combines STEM skills, space technology, hands-on experimentation, career guidance, and employability development. The nanosatellite mission is particularly valuable because participants can apply engineering and coding concepts to a real scientific activity and produce evidence of their work through mission reports. Key Responsibilities of the Implementing Partner The selected organisation will need to coordinate and deliver the programme effectively. Key responsibilities are expected to include: Recruiting and engaging girls aged 16–24. Delivering the four-month online course. Coordinating technical webinars. Organising guest lectures. Providing STEM and employability training. Selecting participants for the practical bootcamp. Organising the seven-day in-person bootcamp. Supporting nanosatellite-related activities. Facilitating scientific data collection and analysis. The UniSat model follows a progression from broad participation to advanced practical experience.

Step 1: Participant Recruitment

The implementing partner promotes the programme and encourages girls aged 16–24 to apply. The recruitment process should help achieve the target of at least 900 applicants.

Step 2: Online STEM Training

Selected participants undertake the four-month online course. Training covers technical STEM topics alongside career and employability skills.

Step 3: Course Comp