When We Believe in Africa's Youth, They Change the World

Africa's brightest resource is its youth, and when we trust their curiosity, they illuminate the world.

As Director of ECLEE and President & Co-Founder of Jagora University, I've spent the last two decades designing programs that spark—rather than push—interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Our 2012 STEM Plus initiative in Silicon Valley—built with NASA, the City of Palo Alto, Meta (Facebook), Stanford University, IDEO, and the Institute for the Future—proved a simple truth:

Show young people the wonder of science, then stand back and watch imagination take flight.

To bring that same magic home, we created STEM Plus Africa in 2014, taking outstanding African high-schoolers to the U.S. for a hands-on robotics immersion in collaboration with Ivy Tech (Fort Wayne, Indiana). Among the students who stood out immediately was #ImaneElKhantouti—a relentless question asker with a very inquisitive mind and stars in her eyes.

Today, Imane is literally reaching for those stars. She has just been named to Forbes Afrique's "30 Under 30" (2025) for her work in aeronautics and aerospace engineering.

« La jeunesse africaine est le plus grand atout du continent et du monde. »

— President William Ruto & Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

Imane embodies that promise. Her achievement shows what is possible when we believe, invest, and open doors for African girls in STEM.

🙏 A Moment of Gratitude

• Dr. Jerrilee Mosier, Former Chancellor of Ivy Tech, for opening your campus and championing our students' potential.
• Dr. Aicha Mekentichi, Executive Director, ECLEE, VP Jagora University, for being one of the great minds behind our innovative programs worldwide.
• Professor Hakim Allali — for your tireless mentorship and inspiring teaching that helped Imane (and so many others) dream bigger.
• Mayor Hemri, for your steadfast local support and belief that global impact begins with community investment.

Your guidance and partnership made STEM Plus Africa a reality.

To Imane

Your success is a lighthouse for every young girl and boy who wonders if space—and STEM—can be hers/his. We are proud beyond words.

To our partners and mentors

Thank you for forging bridges between Africa and the world. This recognition belongs to every teacher, engineer, and volunteer who guided the way.

To Africa's youth

Keep imagining. Keep experimenting. Keep building. The future of our continent is already in your hands.