STEM Racing Costa Rica announced on March 13 the results, achievements, and future plans for its educational initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young people in the country. The program is inspired by an international model promoted by Formula 1.
Since its launch in Costa Rica in 2023, STEM Racing has reached more than 14,000 students through educational tours, regional competitions, national finals, and training activities within schools. In the 2025 season alone, over 900 students from 155 teams participated. For the upcoming cycle, the organization will focus on larger-scale final events with participation from 84 schools and more than 500 students across six regions: Central Region, Chorotega, Central Pacific, Brunca, Huetar Caribe, and Huetar Norte.
The program includes technical professional colleges, bilingual experimental schools, and private institutions. More than half of participating students come from communities outside the Greater Metropolitan Area such as Limón, San Carlos, and Puntarenas. Since its inception in Costa Rica, STEM Racing has invested nearly $300,000 in technology tools, educational materials, prizes, specialized training, and academic opportunities for students. For the next cycle in 2026 an estimated $145,000 will be allocated to travel expenses, certifications, competition materials and courses.
Participation is free for all students thanks to sponsor support. This season saw a strategic partnership with ULACIT providing forty university scholarships to winners. “In ULACIT we firmly believe that young talent must find real opportunities to develop,” said Silvia Castro of ULACIT’s Board of Directors. Arcos Dorados also joined as a partner offering access to MCampus Comunidad—an online platform where participants can take courses in marketing and personal finance—as well as financial support. Marianela Ureña of Arcos Dorados Costa Rica said: “Initiatives like STEM Racing promote technical skills creativity and innovation…we trust this alliance will open new learning opportunities for more youth.” PROCOMER continues to offer training in technical English and cybersecurity while Garnier & Garnier Desarrollos Inmobiliarios supports the initiative as part of its commitment to developing young talent.
Students gain experience in CAD design digital manufacturing data analysis project management applied engineering technical communication leadership teamwork critical thinking time management and problem-solving. Marco Cercone producer of STEM Racing Costa Rica said: “This program does not build miniature cars but professionals with a global vision…one competes not only for speed but for academic and career futures.” The impact is already visible; Diego Hidalgo who competed in 2023 now studies electrical engineering at Texas Tech Costa Rica on a full scholarship while four others received partial scholarships at Lead University.
Internationally eight students traveled to Singapore for World Finals earning two awards including Best Newcomer Award and Amaron Sustainability Showcase. Next year two teams are expected to represent Costa Rica at STEM Racing Spain events. SofÃa RamÃrez administrative vice minister at the Ministry of Public Education said: “We continue investing in future skills so our students acquire essential abilities for an increasingly demanding job market…talent deserves to shine through these opportunities.” The five-year vision is continued expansion increased school participation stronger links between secondary education technical training industry needs greater access to international competitions scholarships university careers—and ultimately contributing to economic technological development nationwide.
Cercone concluded: “Engineering is not just for those who think they are math experts—it’s for curious people who want to solve problems create something new…programs like STEM Racing help discover that potential.” Confirmed prizes include trips abroad such as Brazil’s Interlagos Grand Prix Mexico’s Grand Prix or Madrid’s Sports Summit event.
