In the Mangystau Region, 307 women have successfully completed the "STEM Hanym" educational program and received international STEM trainer certificates. They are now equipped to introduce modern engineering and technological approaches into the educational process, teach children robotics and programming, and develop STEM competencies in their schools, kindergartens, and educational centers.

The project was implemented by the "Samruk-Kazyna Trust" corporate fund on behalf of the Samruk-Kazyna group of companies, in partnership with ExxonMobil Kazakhstan and the USTEM Foundation public fund.

The initiative aimed to enhance the accessibility and quality of STEM education for female residents of the Mangystau Region aged 18 to 45. Participants included natural science, mathematics, and humanities teachers, preschool educators, pedagogy students, women with a pedagogical background who were temporarily unemployed, as well as women with disabilities and mothers raising children with disabilities.

In total, more than 1,100 applications were submitted. Throughout May and June, participants took online courses in STEM disciplines. Following the online stage, top performers were invited to in-person educational intensives and hackathons held in Aktau, Zhanaozen, as well as the villages of Shetpe, Zhetybai, and Beyneu.

During practical sessions, the women mastered LEGO Education sets, basic programming, engineering design, teamwork, and applied problem-solving. By the end of the project, 307 participants—including 32 women with disabilities—earned STEM trainer certificates.

The award ceremony for certificates, diplomas for hackathon winners, and recognition for the most active participants took place at the "STEM Hanym" graduation forum on August 5 in Aktau. The forum marked the final stage of the project, highlighting its results and showcase-worthy initiatives.

"Today, STEM education is a vital investment in the future. That is why we consistently implement the 'STEM Hanym' project, creating opportunities for women to gain in-demand knowledge and modern practical skills. I am confident that the competencies you acquired will boost your professional growth and contribute to developing the engineering and scientific potential of the younger generation. It is especially gratifying to see last year's graduates achieving success at professional competitions and hackathons, launching their own STEM clubs, and putting their knowledge into practice. This is the best indicator that the project yields real results," noted Alfiya Adiyeva, General Director of CF "Samruk-Kazyna Trust".

The "STEM Hanym" project is now in its second year. It launched as a pilot program in the Atyrau Region in 2025, reaching over a thousand women. That cycle saw 301 graduates complete the training, with top participants representing Kazakhstan at the Central Asian FIRST Championship. The success of the pilot laid the groundwork for scaling the initiative to the Mangystau Region.