STEAM JAPAN Fully Launches Support for High School Education Reform "N-E.X.T. High School Concept" Based on Years of Experience

STEAM JAPAN (General Incorporated Association, Representative Director: Yumiri Inoue) and Barbara Pool Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Yumiri Inoue) will begin offering a high school education reform support program for prefectural boards of education and high schools, which corresponds to the "N-E.X.T. High School Concept" promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Since its establishment in 2018, STEAM JAPAN has collaborated with over 50 local governments (including municipalities) and boards of education nationwide, and has continuously held the "STEAM JAPAN AWARD," a STEAM talent award for junior and senior high school students sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Leveraging its specialized knowledge and nationwide network in the fields of STEAM education and inquiry-based learning, STEAM JAPAN supports high school education reform tailored to the specific circumstances of each region.

Background: Challenges Faced by "N-E.X.T. High School Concept" and STEAM JAPAN

Amid declining birthrates and shifts in industrial structure, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced the "Basic Policy on High School Education Reform (Grand Design) ~ 'N-E.X.T. High School Concept' Towards 2040 ~" in February 2026. By 2040, a shortage of STEM talent and an overwhelming lack of essential workers supporting regional economies and societies are anticipated, making the strengthening of specialized high schools and the transition to interdisciplinary learning in general courses urgent priorities.

The "General Course Reform," "Strengthening the Functions of Specialized High Schools," and "Education Design Utilizing Regional Characteristics" demanded by this concept are themes that STEAM JAPAN has consistently addressed since its establishment. The track record of continuous information dissemination as Japan's largest specialized media for inquiry-based learning and STEAM education, coupled with repeated collaborations with prefectural and municipal boards of education and national research institutions, forms the foundation of this support.

Leveraging insights gained from direct collaboration with prefectural boards of education, schools, and industries, and mobilizing its nationwide educational network, STEAM JAPAN will fully launch high school education reform support tailored to the challenge structures and realities of each region.

Support Provided by STEAM JAPAN

Based on its track record with over 50 local governments and boards of education nationwide, and its information gathering capabilities as Japan's largest specialized STEAM education media, STEAM JAPAN will provide support tailored to the specific circumstances and phases of each region.

① Support for High School Education Reform Project Planning, Research, and Analysis

STEAM JAPAN provides consistent support for the planning process of prefectural education reform projects, from interviews with core schools and regional industry analysis to KPI setting. It will accompany the creation of plans suited to the specific circumstances of each region, referencing advanced case studies from high schools and specialized high schools worldwide (including international research accumulated by STEAM JAPAN media).

Furthermore, STEAM JAPAN undertakes research tasks that form the basis of evidence-based planning, such as designing and conducting surveys to understand the realities of educational settings, interviewing experts, and performing data analysis and report creation.

② Design and Operation of STEAM/Inquiry Programs, Support for High School Specialization

STEAM JAPAN is responsible for the planning and operation of year-round programs such as data science courses, STEAM project-based research, and PBL (Project-Based Learning). Based on its track record, including support for launching space courses at newly established prefectural high schools and developing STEAM content teaching materials for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, it provides consistent support for creating distinctive high schools and establishing new courses that leverage regional assets, from curriculum design to industry-academia collaboration adjustments and public relations development.

③ Teacher Training and Curriculum Development Support

Planning and implementation of teacher training related to the instruction of STEAM education and inquiry-based learning, and inquiry-based learning across elementary, junior high, and high schools...