EBI CONNECT

The Annual STEAM Exchange Program provides a platform for students in Ghana and Baltimore, Carroll County, to explore industries that shape the world around them. By focusing on one industry each year, the program enables participants to gain hands-on experience, apply knowledge in real-world contexts, and develop critical workforce skills. Through after-school activities, global collaboration, and innovative projects, the program is preparing the next generation of leaders while fostering cultural exchange.

For 2025, the STEAM Exchange Program zeroed in on the agriculture industry. Agriculture is the backbone of our daily lives, underpinning how we eat, trade, and sustain our communities. Students have been learning how food moves from farm to table, exploring topics like supply chain logistics, food chain management, and the role of global imports in ensuring food availability.

This year, the students have taken on exciting challenges through hands-on projects, focusing specifically on the importance of infrastructure in the agriculture sector. One standout project has students designing and building functional bridges. These bridges are integral to their exploration of transportation logistics, illustrating how reliable infrastructure determines food availability, prices, and quality.

As part of this initiative, students are programming robots to transport miniature food items, such as small tomatoes or strawberries, across their model bridges. This exercise integrates engineering, technology, and agriculture, encouraging participants to connect theory with practice.

Field Trips That Bring Learning to Life

A core feature of the STEAM Exchange Program is the immersive field trips that bring classroom lessons to life. These trips expose students to real-life applications and introduce them to industry leaders who share their insights.

This year, a significant highlight was the visit to Darsfarm in Ghana, where students were introduced to the innovative practices transforming agriculture. The farm tour focused on their Solar Dehydration Plant, where students engaged in hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of food sustainability.

During the visit with great respect, and appreciation to our hosts – Mr. Kwashie Darkudzi (Chairman and Co-founder), and Madam Perfect Garti (General Manager of Darsfarm), Darsfarm was in the process of preparing dry onions for packaging, offering students a unique, simulated experience of the dehydration process. Under the guidance of farm staff, students observed how solar technology preserves surplus crops, ensuring essential produce like onions and mangoes remain available after their harvest seasons. They even sampled dried mangoes, sparking excitement as they saw, tasted, and learned how modern techniques can combat food waste and increase food security.

The visit to Darsfarm wouldn’t have been possible without the instrumental support of our sister organization partners, including GloFam Association, CFC Faith Learning Centre, Mama Caro Foundation, and Adom iTechnology. These organizations exemplify the power of collaboration in creating impactful educational experiences for young learners.

Global Collaboration Across Teams

One of the most inspiring aspects of the STEAM Exchange Program is the collaboration between Ghanaian and U.S.-based students. Teams such as Chorkor -Accra, Ejura, and others from Ghana have worked alongside their Carroll County counterparts to address real-world challenges in the agriculture industry. This exchange of ideas fosters innovative solutions while helping participants develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

These international collaborations also cultivate cultural understanding, enabling students to think globally while addressing local challenges. They are learning to adapt, innovate, and connect in an increasingly interconnected world.

Implementing a program of this magnitude presents its own set of challenges. Securing partnerships with businesses and organizations, especially in Ghana, can be difficult. However, the STEAM Exchange Program has persevered, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with industry leaders. The collaboration with Darsfarm demonstrates the value of partnering with organizations committed to fostering workforce education and development.

Through these partnerships, students gain exposure to real-world professions, learn directly from experts, and acquire skills that are often hard to replicate within a classroom setting. This direct experience empowers young learners and broadens their horizons, preparing them to take on diverse roles in the future.

A Call for Sponsors and Mentors

The success of the STEAM Exchange Program depends on the generosity of mentors, sponsors, and collaborators who share the vision of equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive. These partnerships make it possible to offer students unique opportunities, such as field trips and project-based learning experiences.

If you have expertise to share, whether virtually or in person, or are part of an organization looking to broaden your community impact, your support could make a world of difference. Hosting a workshop, leading a field trip, or mentoring a team are just some of the ways you can contribute.

The STEAM Exchange Program is more than a series of projects and activities. It’s about creating a ripple effect that will outlast the program itself. These young participants are gaining skills, confidence, and experience that will shape their futures as leaders and innovators.

By supporting this initiative, you are investing in the future—not just for these students, but for the world they will help transform. If you’d like to partner with or support the STEAM Exchange Program, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation.

The future of industries like agriculture depends on the creativity and passion of today’s youth. With programs like this, the outlook is exceptionally promising, and the possibilities are endless.