The Regional Accelerator for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Students Readiness (RASSR) Programme began with a simple thought that prompted a series of questions. For years, the University of Guyana’s (UG) Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin wondered what became of the exceptionally gifted students she encountered through her work with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

She wondered who was nurturing their talents after they left secondary school and whether they were being given every opportunity to fulfil their potential. Those questions ultimately inspired the creation of RASSR, a programme designed to identify, support and empower Guyana’s future scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators. Those questions, she said, led to a broader reflection on how Guyana identifies and supports exceptional students.

“I honestly believe that we have geniuses among us. We spend a lot of time, as we should, dealing with vulnerable kids, but there’s the other side of the spectrum, the ones who are really, really talented and gifted, who I think we also need to find and nurture,” Professor Mohamed-Martin said. Through the RASSR, UG has sought to create a pathway for those students, ensuring that talent is recognised regardless of their location or background. The programme was established in 2022 through a partnership with UG and the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), which comprises ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Corporation, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.