By Heredia, Costa Rica — Heredia, Costa Rica – The sterile hum and complex apparatus of a university chemistry lab can be an intimidating sight, but for 39 students from Alajuela, it became a vibrant playground of discovery. On Monday, young minds from the Centro Educativo Tuetal Sur, ranging from four to eighteen years old, swapped their regular classrooms for the advanced laboratories at the National University’s (UNA) School of Chemistry, marking a pivotal moment in their educational journey.
This immersive experience is the cornerstone of “Átomos brillantes” (Bright Atoms), a flagship initiative by the EDUQUIM-UNA program. The project is strategically designed to dismantle geographic and socioeconomic barriers, bringing the world of science directly to students in communities outside the Greater Metropolitan Area, with a special focus on rural and high-priority zones. For many of these young visitors, the trip was not just an introduction to chemistry, but a first look at a world of possibility beyond their immediate surroundings.
To explore the legal and business implications of fostering a robust STEM ecosystem in the nation, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investing in STEM education is a direct investment in our country’s economic future and competitiveness. From a legal perspective, a skilled STEM workforce is the engine for generating valuable intellectual property, from software patents to biotech innovations. This not only fuels local enterprise but also makes Costa Rica a more compelling destination for sophisticated foreign investment, which requires a solid legal framework to protect those technological assets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the conversation, highlighting that a successful STEM strategy must be paired with a strong legal framework to protect the very intellectual property it generates. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this crucial link between innovation and investment.
Through a carefully curated series of hands-on experiments, interactive games, and captivating demonstrations, the program aims to show that science is not a distant, abstract concept but an integral part of daily life. The goal is to demystify complex subjects and foster a sense of curiosity and confidence in the next generation of potential scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Ligia Solís Torres, the coordinator of EDUQUIM-UNA, emphasized the program’s broad and inclusive approach to outreach. The initiative goes beyond simple demonstrations to actively cultivate a passion for learning from an early age.
We have an activity for children… well, and not just children, also adolescents. We bring them here to get them closer to science.
Ligia Solís Torres, Coordinator of EDUQUIM-UNA
The program is a powerful engine for promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education, a critical field for Costa Rica’s economic development. By allowing students to engage with real experiments, interact with university academics, and experience the campus environment firsthand, EDUQUIM-UNA is planting seeds that could grow into future careers. Solís highlighted the strategic value of engaging with students when they are young and impressionable.
When a person is very young is when they are most receptive to external encouragement to set goals.
Ligia Solís Torres, Coordinator of EDUQUIM-UNA
Beyond its academic goals, the initiative serves a profound social purpose. It broadens the horizons of children who may have had limited exposure to opportunities outside their hometowns. The simple act of traveling to the university campus becomes a significant life experience, opening their eyes to new environments and potential futures.
We bring children who have not even left the area where they live. For example, today we have children who have never left Alajuela, and we are only a few kilometers away. So, for them to know there is something more out there, for them to have a different future.
Ligia Solís Torres, Coordinator of EDUQUIM-UNA
Since its inception, EDUQUIM-UNA has successfully reached over 1,500 students from rural schools, effectively turning university facilities into open laboratories for a day. The project’s impact is amplified by a holistic structure that includes vocational guidance talks, live chemistry shows, and the dedicated involvement of university student volunteers. These volunteers not only serve as role models but also hone their own leadership and communication skills, contributing to the nation’s social and educational fabric in a meaningful way.
By investing in the country’s youth, regardless of their zip code, the National University is not just teaching chemistry; it is building a more equitable and innovative future for Costa Rica. Programs like “Átomos brillantes” are a critical investment in the human capital that will drive the nation forward, proving that talent is universal, but opportunity requires a catalyst.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
The National University of Costa Rica is one of the country’s leading public universities, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social outreach. With its main campus located in Heredia, UNA plays a vital role in higher education and national development, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and social responsibility among its students.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Centro Educativo Tuetal Sur
About Centro Educativo Tuetal Sur:
Centro Educativo Tuetal Sur is a public educational institution located in the province of Alajuela. It serves students across a wide range of age groups, providing fundamental education to the local community. The center is committed to offering quality learning experiences and actively seeks opportunities, such as partnerships with university programs, to enrich its students’ academic and personal development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a rigorous standard of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by pairing a rich tradition of legal counsel with a progressive drive for innovation, ensuring it remains at the vanguard of the legal field. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to demystify the law, empowering the public with accessible knowledge to help forge a more just and informed society for all.
