The Center of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES) announces the new Pierce Leadership Academy (PLA) Module S.T.E.P. (Space, Technology, Engineering, Physics), a unique and innovative educational program designed and initiated by the CoES and delivered by Deree faculty.
S.T.E.P. is the first and only program in Greece and Europe dedicated to Space education with a strong emphasis on Sustainability, designed for students ages 13–17. As a pioneering educational initiative, it is created to spark young students’ curiosity about Space—the frontier of tomorrow—while strengthening their technical and engineering skills and deepening their understanding of how Space intersects with scientific, industrial, financial, and social sectors. At the same time, the program places particular emphasis on one of the most pressing emerging challenges of our era: ensuring that the space sector develops in a sustainable and responsible manner.
The innovation of S.T.E.P. lies in its very nature: a truly multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary program that integrates sustainability into its core curriculum—an approach not found in similar courses. By combining Space science, technology, engineering, and physics with sustainability principles, the program offers a forward-looking educational model aligned with the evolving demands of the space sector. Its leadership dimension emerges directly from this multidisciplinary and sustainability-driven approach, as students learn to address complex challenges with responsibility, systems thinking, and informed decision-making.
Throughout the program, students will:
- Discover the usefulness and applications of Space
- Build and launch rockets
- Develop space apparatus
- Engage in Software handling – Program self-developed Space Apparatus
- Explore and gain the insight and skills that are necessary to shape and advance the future of space sustainability
A distinctive and unique feature of S.T.E.P. is its dedicated focus on Space Sustainability. The program introduces students to the environmental challenges arising from humanity’s increasing activity in space and guides them in exploring responsible and forward-looking solutions. Using the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) as a practical framework for addressing complex global issues, participants connect the principles of universal sustainability directly to the space sector. They examine current international efforts to promote a more sustainable space environment, including debris tracking systems, responsible satellite design, and safe deorbiting practices for end-of-life spacecraft. Through this integrated approach, students cultivate environmental awareness at both global and extragalactic scales, while sharpening their critical thinking as they assess technological and policy responses. At the same time, they strengthen their systems thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring how sustainable practices can ensure the long-term, safe, and responsible use of space.
In 2026, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, Pierce – The American College of Greece will offer eight full scholarships to young people interested in participating in the S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.P. Pierce Leadership Academy (PLA) modules. You can learn more about the scholarships and eligibility requirements here.
S.T.E.P. is not simply about reaching for the stars — it is about preparing the next generation to lead among them, responsibly and sustainably.