Brazilian Educational Institutions Boost Technology Learning with Free Training and Makerspaces
Brazilian universities and schools are enhancing technology education through free advanced training programs and makerspace labs equipped with cutting-edge tools, benefiting students through scholarships and practical experiences.
- • Ufal students can access free online training in Embedded Systems, IoT, and Edge AI through Pnaat, with scholarships and immersive residencies.
- • IFRS is leading the expansion of Mais Ciência na Escola, installing 45 makerspaces across Rio Grande do Sul with advanced tools.
- • Erechim’s Caras Pintadas and Cristo Rei schools will receive makerspace labs and scholarships for teachers and students.
- • Projects aim to enhance science and technology education, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills among students.
Key details
Students at the Federal University of Alagoas (Ufal) are now able to access free advanced technology training through the National Accelerated Learning Program in Technology (Pnaat), coordinated by Softex and linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). This initiative offers online courses in Embedded Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare students for the productive sector’s real-world challenges. Participants can compete for scholarships and intensive hands-on experiences, including a two-month Maker Intensive with a monthly stipend of R$ 1,800 and a Maker Kit valued at R$ 2,500. The best-performing students will then advance to Collaborate Residencies with paid practical market exposure, and subsequently, national and international technology immersions in Sorocaba-SP and Germany respectively.
Meanwhile, the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS) is expanding the Mais Ciência na Escola (More Science at School) project. This program, backed by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), aims to popularize science and technology by establishing 45 makerspaces in public schools across 17 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul. Two schools in Erechim—EMEF Caras Pintadas and EMEF Cristo Rei—will receive fully equipped labs, including 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics kits, and smart TVs. The project provides scholarships for one coordinating teacher and ten students per school to support these learning environments for 12 months.
These combined efforts mark significant advances in Brazil’s strategy to enhance educational opportunities through technology, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and better integration with the tech industry. Sidnei Dal’Agnol, Director-General of IFRS Erechim Campus, emphasized the project’s role in deepening community interaction and improving student engagement with science and technology. Verenice Lipsch, Erechim’s Education Secretary, lauded the investment in technology and education for its critical role in nurturing curiosity and innovation among students.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
