Today, technology forms the foundation of almost all industries. As a result, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education is crucial for helping young people thrive in an increasingly technological world. We’re doing our part to share our science and technology knowledge, promote STEM initiatives and work hard to ensure that all young people have access to technical education to reach their potential.
Working with schools around the world
ASML Junior Academy
The ASML Junior Academy provides primary schools with engaging, structured STEM lessons for children. Our partner, Mad Science, teams with ASML employees to deliver these lessons in collaboration with schools and teachers in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. In the near future, we intend to bring the ASML Junior Academy to our other global communities to benefit approximately 190,000 children altogether.
Our STEMup program helps secondary schools strengthen STEM education for first and second year students. Working with a STEM coach from WisMon, schools can choose one of four STEM classes developed by ASML. The pilot, which runs in the Veldhoven area into 2025, is supported by local educational organizations: FutureBites, Junior IOT, de Maakotheek and de Ontdekfabriek. Findings will inform the planned expansion of the program.
Hybrid teaching and STEM ambassadors
Through the hybrid teaching initiative, our employees swap the cleanroom for the classroom to teach technical subjects in schools and universities. They also volunteer as STEM ambassadors, giving lectures in educational settings and hosting students who visit ASML campuses.
Van Gogh Museum and Van Gogh Brabant
We are involved in several collaborative initiatives with our partners at the Van Gogh Museum and Van Gogh Brabant. We are developing educational materials for schools on Van Gogh’s life and work, as well as the ‘Masterminds and Masterpieces’ program which challenges students to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps by experimenting with color and light.
Promoting curiosity and creativity
Dutch Technology Week
During this week-long, annual event in the Brainport region, we promote enthusiasm and pride in technology to strengthen the Dutch high-tech sector. We participate in various events to inspire young people about technology and technological studies.
Inclusive Talent tutoring program
Many children lack access to tutoring, which widens the education gap for disadvantaged communities. To help close the gap, we launched the Inclusive Talent program in partnership with Center for Care and Spectrum Brabant. Through this program, our employees paired up with secondary school students to help them catch up on school subjects and make progress in their studies.
Partnering to inspire and empower
In 2022, we partnered with the Van Gogh Museum, CommonWealth Magazine Foundation and Junyi Academy to localize our ‘Mastermind and Masterpieces’ program in Mandarin. 200 employees were trained as volunteers and STEM educators, leading UV light workshops in remote schools.
We support the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, which organizes the Shanghai Future Engineer Competition. We also sponsor the ASML Youth Maker and Hacker Science and Technology Innovation contest, in which approximately 80 schoolchildren participate each year.
Supporting innovators and creators of the future
We support the Ocean Discovery Institute (ODI), whose mission is to use ocean science to empower young people. Through ODI, our employees participate in Q&A sessions for students to encourage them to grow their science knowledge. We also work with the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and participate in the Fleet’s Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE) program, which provides STEM education to young girls in San Diego County. We have also supported the nonprofit Science Delivered, funding take-home STEM kits for students in lower socioeconomic schools.