• Plan International launched the program in Vietnam in June 2024.
• The project aims to enroll and train 10,000 girls in STEM fields by Q4 2026.
• Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training is a key local partner.

Plan International’s Girls’ STEM Leadership Accelerator was formally introduced in Hanoi, Vietnam, in June 2024, with a goal of enrolling 10,000 girls by the end of 2026. The initiative is designed to boost gender balance in Vietnam’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors, which remain male-dominated despite rapid economic growth. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, women represent less than 30% of STEM graduates in Vietnam as of 2023.

The Accelerator program will operate through a mix of in-school workshops, mentorship, scholarships, and industry partnerships. Plan International, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, plans to focus recruitment on underserved provinces including Thai Nguyen and Can Tho, where gender gaps in education are most pronounced. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on project work and leadership training, aiming to equip participants with both technical and soft skills relevant for the 2026 labour market.

While Plan International has a robust track record of advocacy in education and gender equality across Southeast Asia, this is the first large-scale, metrics-driven girls’ STEM leadership program with a specific multi-year enrollment target in Vietnam. The USD 3 million project budget is partially funded by private sector partners, notably Samsung Vietnam. Delivery will be closely monitored, with annual impact reports set for publication each October through 2026.

The SDG Talking editorial team notes the distinction between Plan International’s quantitative enrollment target and broader claims of ’empowerment.’ While program structure is promising, no measurable post-graduation STEM employment outcomes have been reported yet—a gap to reassess ahead of the 2026 evaluation milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Plan International’s Girls’ STEM Leadership Accelerator in Vietnam?

The Accelerator aims to increase the participation and leadership of girls in Vietnam’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics sectors, targeting 10,000 enrollees by Q4 2026. The program addresses gender imbalances in STEM education and future career pathways through structured training, mentorship, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

How will the program’s impact be measured and reported?

Plan International, with support from the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, will publish annual impact reports detailing enrollment, retention, and skill development metrics. The first impact report is due October 2025; employment outcomes will be monitored but have not yet been achieved, as the program is at an early stage.

Who are the main partners and funders involved in the Accelerator?

The initiative is managed by Plan International in partnership with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and receives partial funding from Samsung Vietnam and other private sector partners. Additional support comes from local NGOs and in-kind contributors providing training materials and STEM equipment.