Ideas en Acción is an NGO that identifies develops and promotes collaborative innovation programs with high impact potential that are replicable, scalable and globally relevant. It’s objective is to contribute to the national and regional sustainable development acting as a platform to implement innovation and social entrepreneurship ideas. To achieve this, it works alongside the community through collaborative innovation on three main pillars:
1. Organizing high impact events (TEDx PuraVidaJoven; Hackathons, etc.)
2. Implementing high social impact programs that are replicable and scalable
3. Arranging experiences and youth encounters to inspire young people to collaborate, propose and implement high impact ideas. One of its main initiatives is MenTe en Acción, a 12-session program for young women aged 15-20 that promotes the inclusion and participation of more women in STEAM. The program stems from the Red MenTe, a network that aims to inspire more young women to be creators and makers in science and technology, promoting the professional development of women in technology, connecting groups of women in the field to promote networking in the industry and job creation, and raising awareness and the visibility of women and their achievements.

http://www.menteenaccion.org/programas

• Costa Rica

• Youth
• Women

Yes, the program recently celebrated its 6th edition, graduating 50 more beneficiaries. The 7th edition will be taking place during the second half of 2018 in the province of Limon. This will be the second edition in this province, which is very important as it is one of the most underserved communities in the country even though its an area full of potential and thirsty for these kinds of initiatives. Editions in areas outside the GMA are important because we make sure to have technical mentors from the area, expanding the network and providing participants with a support and motivation system close to home. This way we make sure that the program is sustainable and participants remain active once the program has concluded. In terms of scaling, the program has been taken to Monterrey, Mexico where we hosted an edition in 2016, and the organization is currently working to carry out the initiative in Honduras. The objective is to eventually expand to the whole region.

By addressing a social or environmental issue in their communities; in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.