STEAM JAPAN Launches Full-Scale Support for 'N-E.X.T. High School Initiative' Based on Years of Proven Experience

STEAM JAPAN (Representative Director: Yumiri Inoue) and Barbara Pool Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yumiri Inoue) are launching a high school education reform support program for prefectural boards of education and high schools, in alignment with the 'N-E.X.T. High School Initiative' promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Since beginning operations in 2018, the organization has collaborated with over 50 local governments and boards of education nationwide and has continuously hosted the 'STEAM JAPAN AWARD,' a MEXT-backed recognition program for STEAM talent among middle and high school students. Leveraging its professional expertise in STEAM education and inquiry-based learning, as well as its nationwide network, the organization will support high school education reforms tailored to the specific needs of each region. Background: The 'N-E.X.T. High School Initiative' and the Challenges Addressed by STEAM JAPAN Amidst a declining birthrate and shifting industrial structures, MEXT announced the 'Basic Policy on High School Education Reform (Grand Design) - The N-E.X.T. High School Initiative for 2040' in February 2026. With a projected shortage of science and technology talent and essential workers to support regional economies by 2040, there is an urgent need to strengthen specialized high schools and transition to interdisciplinary, liberal arts-and-science learning in general high schools. The 'general course reform,' 'strengthening of specialized high schools,' and 'education design utilizing regional characteristics' required by this initiative are themes STEAM JAPAN has consistently addressed since its inception. As one of Japan's largest media outlets specializing in inquiry-based learning and STEAM education, the organization's track record of collaborating with prefectural and municipal boards of education and national research institutions serves as the foundation for this support. By mobilizing its expertise in direct collaboration with prefectural boards of education, school sites, and industry, as well as its nationwide educational network, the organization will launch full-scale support for high school education reform tailored to the structural challenges and realities of each region. Support Provided by STEAM JAPAN Backed by experience with over 50 local governments and boards of education, and its information-gathering capabilities as a leading STEAM education media outlet, the organization provides support tailored to the situation and phase of each region. 1. Support for Business Planning, Research, and Analysis of High School Education Reform The organization provides end-to-end support for the formulation of prefectural education reform plans, from conducting interviews at hub schools and regional industry analysis to setting KPIs. It assists in creating plans tailored to local realities by referencing advanced examples from high schools and specialized high schools worldwide (including overseas research accumulated by STEAM JAPAN media). Additionally, it handles research tasks that form the basis for evidence-based planning, such as survey design and implementation to grasp the realities of educational sites, expert interviews, data analysis, and report creation. 2. Design and Operation of STEAM/Inquiry Programs and Support for School Specialization The organization handles the planning and operation of year-round programs, including data science courses, STEAM research projects, and PBL (Project-Based Learning). Building on achievements such as supporting the launch of space courses at new prefectural schools and developing STEAM educational materials for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, it provides comprehensive support for school specialization and the creation of new courses—from curriculum design and industry-academia coordination to public relations. 3. Teacher Training and Curriculum Development Support The organization plans and implements teacher training regarding instruction in STEAM education and inquiry-based learning, as well as support for inquiry-based learning across elementary, middle, and high school levels.