Gov’t to Finalise STEAM Education Policy
By: , February 25, 2026
Photo: Vanessa James
Students of Green Pond High School in St. James, display their Split Solar Vision project as a renewable energy solution during the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) In Action Expo, held on Thursday (January 29) at the Chinese Benevolent Association in St. Andrew.
Photo: Adrian Walker
Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams.The Full Story
The Government is moving to finalise and seek approval for a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education Policy, while simultaneously developing an information and communications technology (ICT) strategy and requirement plan.
The works will be done under Phase II of the Education System Transformation Programme, which has been allocated approximately $857 million in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.
During the upcoming year, the Government will also be looking to rehabilitate science laboratories as per the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP) and commence construction works on one STEAM school in Bernard Lodge, St. Catherine.
There are also plans to finalise standards and guidelines for the management and operations of dormitory facilities.
The Education System Transformation Programme’s main objective is to advance the education sector’s modernisation and build on initiatives already executed.
These include improving the management of school plants, human and capital resources and student outcomes, and improving school efficiency and administration by establishing a management framework.
The Programme is also intended to increase student access to quality secondary-school places through the construction of six new STEAM academies and one Visual and Performing Arts secondary-level institution by 2028/29.
Among the achievements, up to December 2025, are the development and approval of a governance and management framework document for the operations of STEAM schools.
A STEAM education policy concept document has been drafted for review, and building standards for early-childhood, primary and secondary schools have been approved.
The project is being implemented by the National Education Trust (NET) and funded by the Government of Jamaica.
It commenced in April 2022 and has a March 2030 completion date.
The 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure was tabled in the House of Representatives by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, on February 12.
