steelChallenge-20 High School Pilot – Roberto Rocca Educational Programs

3 December 2025 | Brussels, Belgium

steeluniversity is pleased to announce the results of the steelChallenge-20 High School Pilot delivered in partnership with Roberto Rocca Educational Programs. This pilot marks the first time that high school students have officially participated in steelChallenge, opening new opportunities for younger generations of learners to engage with steelmaking in a competitive learning experience.

The competition was held on 25 November 2025, in alignment with the steelChallenge-20 Regional Championship. A total of 190 high school students from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Italy participated, demonstrating strong analytical skills, curiosity, and an impressive ability to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical scenario. Their performance highlights the potential for simulation-based learning to inspire future careers in science, engineering, and industrial technology.

To complete this year’s challenge, students used steeluniversity’s Electric Arc Furnace Simulator. They were tasked with producing a steel grade that met specific technical requirements, achieved the lowest cost per tonne, and adhered to basic carbon-emission considerations. This allowed high school learners to explore industrial decision-making in a hands-on, accessible format.

Jorge Muract, Director at steeluniversity, said: “We are thrilled to see the next generation engaging with the steelmaking process through this pilot initiative. These students showed encouraging levels of interest and capability. By introducing steelChallenge to high school participants, we are helping build awareness of the exciting career paths and technologies that shape our industry.”

Some of the students from the Roberto Rocca Technical Gene Program who participated from Italy described steelChallenge as “an opportunity,” “a difficult challenge,” “interesting,” and “something that sparks curiosity.”

Results

High School Category (Roberto Rocca Educational Programs)

The successful rollout of this pilot provides valuable insights for expanding high school participation in future editions of steelChallenge. Beginning next year, the high school category will adopt a regional structure to align with the global steelChallenge framework.

steeluniversity thanks Techint Group for their collaboration and commitment in delivering this High School Category Pilot.

More information about steelChallenge-20 High School Pilot is available at https://steeluniversity.org/steelchallenge-20/steelchallenge-for-high-schools-pilot/

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Notes

• steeluniversity is the education and training programme of the World Steel Association, delivering education and training to current and future employees of steel companies and related businesses.
• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world, with members in every major steel-producing country. worldsteel represents steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. Members represent around 85% of global steel production.
• The Roberto Rocca Educational Programs are an initiative of the Techint Group focused on promoting and strengthening education -especially technical education- in the communities where it operates.