Smithsonian and Ukraine Ministry of Education and Science Sign Historic Agreement to Enhance Science Education

March 18, 2024
News Release
A group of people stand, smiling toward camera, in front of white background.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center has signed a groundbreaking licensing agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.  The agreement, signed March 14 at the Embassy of Ukraine marks a pivotal moment of accessibility for the Smithsonian Science Education Center’s curriculum and Ukrainian students, fostering an inquiry-based and hands-on approach to STEM learning. 

The agreement will support translation of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curricular units, digital assets and images into Ukrainian, with the goal of enriching the learning experiences of children ages 5–11 across Ukraine. 

“The most important commitment we can make is to our children, and the Smithsonian is proud to make that commitment with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine—we see this as part of our shared future,” said. Monique Chism, Smithsonian Under Secretary for Education. “This collaboration advances our shared commitment to science education and upholds our belief that access to high-quality education resources can change lives.”

“This agreement, and access to the Smithsonian’s world-class educational materials, will provide our students with unparalleled opportunities to explore and learn from the Smithsonian,” said Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi. “The solutions offered here will reach students in frontline territories and learning centers, and they will give the opportunity to future generations of Ukrainians to develop their skills so they can rebuild and think critically.”

About the Smithsonian Science Education Center

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is transforming K–12 Education Through Science in collaboration with communities across the globe. The SSEC is nationally and internationally recognized for the quality of its programs and its impact on K–12 science education. Visit the SSEC website to learn more about the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project and follow SSEC on Twitter and Facebook

# # #

SI-116-2024