Introduction

In the 2024/25 academic year, CETIN Hungary—Hungary’s first mobile telecommunications infrastructure service provider—partnered with the Association of Hungarian Women in Science (NaTE) to deliver the second season of STEMpowered by CETIN, a complex talent development program for secondary school girls. Designed to inspire interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and support informed career choices, the program once again achieved strong results. Participant feedback shows that STEMpowered not only raised awareness about STEM pathways but also empowered girls with the confidence and skills needed for their future careers.

Program Overview

Created to support career orientation for 10th–12th grade students, STEMpowered by CETIN focuses on developing core competencies essential for conscious and confident career planning. Building on learnings from the first season, the 2024/25 program placed particular emphasis on the development of soft skills—areas students consistently identified as lacking in traditional school curricula.

Through structured group sessions, participants worked on improving their:

• Self-awareness
• Creativity
• Communication skills

These elements were complemented by institutional visits and mentoring sessions with CETIN employees, offering students direct exposure to real STEM working environments.

Impact and Outcomes

A participant survey confirmed that the program meaningfully strengthened students’ self-knowledge and confidence. Many reported a clearer understanding of their personal strengths and developmental areas. Practical project work further helped them build self-assurance, and by the end of the school year, students felt more capable of competing in fields where they excel.

One of the girls summarized this transformation:

“I gained broader knowledge, an understanding and inspiring environment, role models to look up to, new acquaintances, and lots of opportunities.”

Program Innovations

A key new element introduced this season was the involvement of a dedicated “class teacher”, responsible for supporting group cohesion and ensuring the smooth delivery of the program. Additionally, CETIN colleagues joined as “buddies”, sharing firsthand experiences from STEM careers through informal talks and guidance.

The season concluded with a creative competition, where students presented what they had learned. The top four students received cash prizes for their outstanding submissions.

Addressing Social Barriers

Insights from CETIN’s earlier research¹ reinforce the program’s mission. Findings show that a lack of supportive environments contributes significantly to why fewer girls pursue engineering and technology careers, and that most career decisions are made by the end of secondary school.

This sentiment was echoed by participants. As one student shared:

“Boys are often favored by default… I often feel that I'm the only one who doesn't understand things, while the boys certainly do. I think many other girls feel this way.”

By offering positive role models, hands-on experiences, and targeted skill development, STEMpowered by CETIN aims to counter these barriers and broaden girls’ perspectives on what is possible.

Conclusion

Now in its second year, STEMpowered by CETIN continues to serve as a vital platform for guiding girls toward STEM careers. The program not only raises awareness of opportunities within science and technology but also fosters personal and professional growth. As one participant put it:

“The program strengthened my interest in STEM, developed my personality, and provided me with knowledge that is extremely useful yet never discussed in school.”

Through initiatives like STEMpowered, CETIN Hungary is shaping a more inclusive future for the next generation of STEM professionals.

¹Research conducted using the Opinio market research app with 1,258 respondents (23–26 August 2023). Results are nationally representative of Hungarians aged 16–59 with smartphones.