Launch Guatemala’s Next STEM Leaders
- Alexander Martiny
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
We need to raise $7,000 to send Cadaniño students a University Robotics Competition and to Launch a Youth Science and Technology Fair in Guatemala.
From Interest to Impact
Nearly two years ago, I had the opportunity to raise funds to launch two STEM labs for the after-school programs at the Cadaniño community centers in Guatemala that provide technology training to at-risk and vulnerable children.
What started as a vision has now grown into something far greater than I imagined.
Since then, the team of teachers I helped train has worked with:
250 students
Teaching them 957 STEM Classes
Where they completed 5,882 hands-on STEM projects
Students have worked with Arduino, K’Nex, Snap Circuits, LEGO Education Robotics, and 3D printing—gaining real, practical skills.
But what has impacted me most isn’t just what they’ve learned.
It’s how they’ve grown.
From Learning… to Leading
Over the past year, we’ve seen students step into leadership in a powerful way.
Today, both of our centers have student-led STEM learning clubs in 3D printing and Arduino. Students are now teaching others, leading projects, and multiplying what they’ve learned.
This was always the goal.
And because of that, when a new opportunity came, the students were ready.
New Opportunitities
Balam Robotics Competition
Sixteen Cadaniño students have now entered the robotics program at Universidad Galileo through the Balam Robotics Competition. https://balam.galileo.edu/#
They are currently in Phase 1, developing advanced skills in electronics, programming, and robotics.
Next, they will move into Phase 2, where they will:
Receive robotics kits.
Build and program their robots.
Compete in person at the university.
The top students from Phase 3 will then have the opportunity to compete regionally in Mexico.
Our goal is to build a team that develops their skills year after year leveling up to compete at an international level.
For many of these students, this is their first time stepping into a university-level environment, and it’s opening doors they never thought possible.
Guatemala Science and Technology Fair 2026
At the same time, we are creating new opportunities for students to showcase what they are learning.
In partnership with the Municipality of San Jose Pinula, Cadanino is launching the Feria de Ciencia y Tecnologia Guatemala 2026, a first-of-it's kind event bringing together students from vulnerable communities and educational institutions.
At the fair, students will present projects in robotics, programming, electronics, engineering, and 3D printing, demonstrating not only what they have learned but what they are capable of creating. This events provides students with a platform to gain confidence, share their ideas, and connect with real opportunities within Guatemala's growing technology ecosystem.
We are currently partnering with the Galileo University, Del Valle University and SENACYT (National Secretary of Science and Technology) in Guatemala to make this a reality.
Its more than an event-it's where potential becomes reality.
Our Goal: $7,000
This will help cover:
Balam Robotics Competition:
Robotics kits for the competition (a meaningful, long-term investment)
Additional robotics equipment to expand training for more students
Materials like 3D printing filament and ongoing STEM supplies
Participation and competition-related costs
Guatemala Science and Technology Fair Costs
Prizes and awards for the students
Setup costs including signs, flyers, t-shirts, transportation and security
Lunch for the volunteers and students
What makes this especially impactful is that this investment goes far beyond a single event.
The equipment we purchase will continue to be used:
In future competitions
In our daily STEM and robotics classes
To train the next generation of students year after year
This is not just funding a moment.
It is an investment in building something that will continue to grow year after year and benefit hundreds of students
Why This Matters to Me
The Launch of the STEM labs was covered by the biggest Guatemalan Newspaper
When I first started this project, I hoped it would make a difference.
But seeing students go from limited access to technology…
To now building, creating, and preparing for a university robotics competition…
It’s more than I imagined.
And what excites me most is that it doesn’t stop with them.
Students are already taking what they’ve learned and investing in others, teaching, leading, and multiplying what they’ve been given.
Join Us
If you were part of helping launch this project, thank you.
And I’d invite you to be part of what comes next.
Your support will not only help these 16 students compete…
It will help create opportunities for many more who will follow.
Help Change These Students Lives Forever
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