The Modern Learning Spaces project is part of the upper secondary school reform process and addresses the shortage of specialists in engineering, technical and natural sciences. The development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is a long-term investment in Ukraine’s recovery and in strengthening the resilience of industries that are critical to both the state and business.
In 2026, the Ministry of Education and Science will allocate UAH 1.9 billion to equip around 250 educational institutions across all regions of Ukraine. The funding will support laboratories and classrooms dedicated to natural sciences and STEM disciplines, enabling students to study theory as well as to conduct experiments, work on projects and acquire practical skills.
“Ukraine needs engineers, technologists, researchers and specialists who will develop solutions for the country’s recovery, economic growth and enhanced security. This is why STEM education is one of the key priorities of the New Ukrainian School reform. We are transforming the educational environment of upper secondary schools — moving beyond the formal refurbishment of classrooms towards the creation of fully-fledged learning spaces equipped with modern facilities, practical training opportunities and well-prepared teachers,” said Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
SCM businesses have supported the project. Metinvest is one of the initiative’s principal partners, and together with DTEK, has financed the work of the Implementation Support Team. The team will assist educational institutions in developing classroom design projects, planning and carrying out renovations, installing equipment and launching modern learning spaces.
During the implementation phase, when communities move from financing to practical delivery, there is often a risk of losing momentum and compromising quality. The Implementation Support Team will therefore work alongside each educational institution — from the planning stage and renovation works in line with MES guidelines to the quality control of completed projects during the establishment of laboratories and classrooms.
Metinvest and DTEK have allocated approximately UAH 11 million to improve the quality of project implementation at the local level and have joined the initiative as partners investing in the effective delivery of the reform.
“The future of Ukrainian industry is being shaped today in schools, laboratories and universities. For many years, Metinvest has been systematically building an integrated model for training specialists: from STEM projects for schoolchildren and cooperation with vocational colleges to education at Metinvest Polytechnic and subsequent employment opportunities. This enables us not only to reduce the skills shortage but also to prepare young professionals for work more quickly and to cultivate the new generation of engineers needed by both the modern economy and Ukraine’s future reconstruction,” said Tetiana Petriuk, Chief Sustainability Officer at Metinvest Group.
For business, participation in the project represents an investment in the country’s future technical talent pipeline. The shortage of engineers, physicists and technical specialists is already a major challenge for the energy, metallurgical and industrial sectors. Supporting STEM education means addressing this challenge at an early stage, beginning at school.
“DTEK has long been working systematically with young people to preserve and develop the industry’s human capital. We cooperate with specialised educational institutions, develop dual education programmes, and create opportunities for acquiring practical production skills and professional growth in Ukraine. Today we joined the Modern Learning Spaces project because we are convinced it will help train the specialists already needed by the energy, industrial and technology sectors,” said Olena Semych, Director of DTEK Academy and HRD. “As a reliable partner of the state and one of the country’s largest employers, we are investing through this project both in the future of Ukraine’s energy sector and in the country as a whole.”
The Modern Learning Spaces project is coordinated by the Eastern Europe Foundation, which is responsible for forming the support team, operational coordination and aiding educational institutions and local communities.
“The Eastern Europe Foundation consistently supports educational initiatives, as human capital development is one of our strategic priorities. This includes improving citizens’ digital literacy, strengthening the competencies of public servants and creating modern learning conditions for Ukrainian schoolchildren. The Modern Learning Spaces project is particularly important because it helps transform reform ideas into high-quality results on the ground — modern educational environments where students can not only learn theory but also experiment, work on projects and develop technical skills. We are pleased to be a partner in implementing this initiative and helping communities and educational institutions move through this process professionally, systematically and without losing momentum,” said Vira Nedzvedska, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at the Eastern Europe Foundation.
The effectiveness of this support will be reflected in measurable public results. By 1 September 2026, 143 pilot academic lyceums are expected to begin teaching under the new standards in fully equipped modern learning environments. In December 2026, project partners will present the first measurable assessment of results, including implementation data, teacher feedback and a public report.
Modern Learning Spaces is intended to become a comprehensive support instrument that will help communities move from planning to high-quality implementation while maintaining standards and momentum. Through expert guidance, local coordination and oversight at every stage, the project aims not only to provide modern educational spaces but also to transform the learning environment and approaches to education.
About the Project
Modern Learning Spaces is a programme supporting the introduction of modern educational environments in Ukrainian academic lyceums. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine under the World Bank-funded programme “Enhancing Accessibility and Resilience of Education in Crisis Conditions in Ukraine” (LEARN), in partnership with the Eastern Europe Foundation and socially responsible Ukrainian businesses. Project partners include SCM (Metinvest and DTEK), EPAM Ukraine, Quantum Systems Ukraine and other companies.