ASTANA – More than 54,000 young people in Kazakhstan have benefited from a U.S.-Chevron initiative offering free access to STEAM education, as the partners extended their Makerspace program for another three years on Nov. 5. Photo credit: The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Launched in 2020, the initiative promotes practical learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through a network of free laboratories established at American Corners across Kazakhstan.
The facilities provide spaces for creativity, experimentation and technology-based learning. The network currently operates in seven cities, including Astana, Almaty, Aktobe, Uralsk, Oskemen, Pavlodar and Petropavlovsk. Since its launch, it has hosted nearly 2,300 workshops and training courses.
U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie M. Stufft and Chevron Eurasia President Derek Magness signed an updated memorandum of understanding, securing the program’s continuation through the next three years. “In our Makerspaces, Kazakh youth build robots, design 3D models, and explore Super Intelligence,” Stufft said.
“These tremendously talented young people tell us that they gain creativity, teamwork, and confidence through these U.S. programs. By renewing our partnership with Chevron for three more years, the United States is proud to build the next generation of talented Kazakh engineers and scholars,” she added.
Photo credit: The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Magness highlighted the importance of providing young people with opportunities to explore technology and develop new skills. “We are pleased to continue this partnership and help create more opportunities for young people across Kazakhstan to explore technology, learn new skills and bring their ideas to life.
We look forward to seeing where their curiosity and creativity take them,” he said. The Makerspaces are open to school and university students, as well as young professionals. Equipped with advanced tools and technology, they offer free courses led by experienced instructors in robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D modeling, programming, rocketry and creative arts.
Through these activities, the initiative helps young people develop critical thinking, teamwork and practical skills that can support their future careers and contribute to Kazakhstan’s innovation-driven economy.