Open Call for Schools in the Territory of Novi Pazar to Improve Education and Encourage Interest in STEM Careers in the Local Community

Equipment Donation and Educational Program “Careers in STEM”

The company Connectis Tower, in cooperation with the Petlja Foundation as a domain expert organization, is launching a pilot initiative to support the local community in Novi Pazar, with the aim of improving conditions for modern education and developing students’ interest in STEM fields, with a special focus on careers in science and technology.

The program includes two connected components:

• donation of equipment to schools
• implementation of educational workshops

The goal of the program, in addition to improving teaching conditions, is to enable students to better understand the opportunities offered by STEM professions, develop self-confidence, and recognize their own potential for future careers, with a particular focus on encouraging girls’ participation in these fields.

Eligible applicants:

• primary schools in the territory of Novi Pazar
• secondary schools in the territory of Novi Pazar

Each school submits one application covering both components of the program.

Selected schools will receive:

• equipment donation in accordance with expressed needs and budget limits (value up to €1,500 per school)
• implementation of the educational workshop “Careers in STEM”

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCHOOLS

Applications must be submitted electronically to: connect@connectistower.com, no later than May 15, 2026.

Schools should submit a project proposal signed and stamped by an authorized representative of the school, in the following format:

1. Basic school information

• School name
• Address
• Number of students
• Number of teachers
• Name of the school principal
• Contact person (name, role, email, phone)

2. Brief description of the school and context (up to 200 words)

• School specifics (e.g., rural/urban, technical school, grammar school, etc.)
• Existing capacities (labs, equipment, clubs)
• Challenges the school faces

3. Description of the problem and needs (up to 150 words)

• What equipment is currently missing?
• How does this affect teaching and students?
• Why is this equipment important?

4. Proposed equipment for donation
For each item specify:

• equipment name
• quantity
• link to the specific product available from a supplier in Serbia

5. Equipment usage and expected results (up to 150 words)

• how the equipment will be used (subjects and activities)
• frequency of use
• number of students benefiting (grades, total number)

Note:
Priority will be given to proposals that allow equipment to be used by a larger number of students and have a clear plan for classroom implementation.

Schools may apply for equipment worth up to €1,500.

Priority will be given to solutions that improve teaching and have broader applicability.

Examples of equipment:

• computers
• microscopes
• microcontrollers and sensors
• educational science kits
• tablets
• projectors
• camera, microphone, and lighting
• podcast/video setup
• composters
• 3D printers
• robots
• VR headsets

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• clarity and justification of the need for equipment
• number of students who will directly benefit
• quality and sustainability of the proposed use
• school readiness to implement the workshop

Priority will be given to applications that:

• enable use by a larger number of students
• have a clear and applicable plan for classroom use
• contribute to improving STEM education in the school

Selection process includes:

• administrative review
• expert evaluation based on defined criteria
• final decision by the donor

Results will be publicly announced on the Connectis Tower website in the “Sustainable Business” section at:
https://www.connectistower.com/odrzivo-poslovanje/otvoreni-poziv-za-skole

TIMELINE

• Call opens: May 6, 2026
• Application deadline: May 15, 2026
• Results announced: June 19, 2026
• Equipment donation: by June 15, 2026
• Workshop implementation: by the end of the 2025/2026 school year

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS

Selected schools will host “Careers in STEM” workshops, designed to introduce students to STEM careers through interactive discussions and meetings with role models (primarily women working in STEM fields), as well as discussions about challenges and opportunities in these professions.

Special focus is placed on:

• understanding different career paths in STEM
• recognizing and overcoming unconscious biases
• developing confidence and a sense that STEM careers are accessible and achievable

Schools are responsible for:

• proposing and registering students (encouraging girls’ participation)
• organizing space and coordinating workshop schedules
• providing support during workshop implementation