Education Programs

Young Learners’ Development Program

The Young Learners’ Development Program (YDLP) is designed for intermediate and secondary school students and aims to enhance learning capacity by introducing them to a diverse cross-curricular skills portfolio

Our work with students encompasses several key areas, including math and science preparation, technological and digital literacy, environmental awareness, English proficiency, and soft skills building through sports and music.

Annual Social Responsibility AI hackathon

The Social Responsibility AI Hackathon, engages KAUST and external students to co-create innovative solutions to real-world challenges. The initiative strengthened collaboration beyond campus and reinforced KAUST’s commitment to community impact and knowledge exchange.

KAUST Mathematics Competition

The Mathematics Competition engages students from Thuwal schools, promoting academic excellence and problem-solving skills.

Back to School Project

The annual Back to School Project was launched in 2012, as part of the Young Learners’ Development Program, devised and managed by the Social Responsibility department. From its initial support of 522 bags, the project has since delivered bags and stationery supplies to nearly 4500 students.

English Proficiency

We provide English proficiency training and activities for male and female intermediate and high school students.

Environmental Awareness

Social Responsibility promotes environmental awareness in Thuwal through education and action programs, both via schools and community associations.

Math & Science Preparation

We regularly bring Thuwal students to our labs to introduce them to the work that goes on at the University. More importantly, we give them a firsthand glimpse into the life of scientists and researchers, with the intention that they will be inspired and encouraged to pursue similar academic and professional careers.

Soft Skills Building with Sports & Music

Our sports programs for the elementary, intermediate and high school pupils connect Thuwal and KAUST students through playing sports in both Thuwal and on KAUST’s campus. Sports activities are led by KAUST volunteers, and include football, basketball, and volleyball.

KAUST SR Science Summer Camp

A three week program during the summer break for Elementary, Intermediate and High School students from Jeddah and our local communities of Thuwal, Qadimah and Saabr, with intended expansion in 2021 to students from other regions of the country.

Technological & Digital Awareness

We devise projects with a focus on technological and digital awareness to equip students and residents in our local area with the digital skills needed for our increasingly digital world.

Thuwal Teachers' Development Program

Supporting teachers in their professional development leads to improved outcomes for their students and increased job satisfaction for teachers. By equipping local teachers with the methods and techniques they need to keep their classrooms and curricula fresh, exciting and highly educational, their students are encouraged and enabled to reach their potential.

The TTDP is a long-term program to keep educators up to date with new ideas, teaching methods, structures, tools and technology.

2018-19 Thuwal Teacher Engagement

The program for 2018-19 has continued to build on the relationships between The KAUST School and the eleven schools in the Thuwal and Qadimah areas, evolving through discussion and visiting the schools to ensure the sessions are targeted and relevant.

2017-18 Thuwal Teacher Engagement

The 2017-18 program has seen the start of the development of a new, long term program involving different stakeholders including teachers, principals and administrators in Thuwal and Qadimah; The KAUST School teachers and administrators; and parents.

2016-17 Thuwal Teacher Engagement

Workshops in 2016 expanded to include strategies for varying themes including Technology in the Classroom, Self-motivation for Teachers, Environmental Sustainability in the Classroom and Gifted Education (Differentiation). By the end of 2016 the Thuwal Teachers’ Development Program has been to delivered training and workshops to 215 teachers across 11 schools in Thuwal and Qadimah.

2015-16 Thuwal Teacher Engagement

Teachers were invited to workshops covering Effective Methods for Teaching in the Classroom, delivered by 7 teacher volunteers from The KAUST School. There were two sessions with time for lunch and then a feedback session. Participants were given training materials and one or more strategies to implement. The Thuwal teachers enjoyed the practical implementation of the strategies and that they could take away ideas to implement immediately.. By the end of 2016 the Thuwal Teachers’ Development Program has been to delivered training and workshops to 215 teachers across 11 schools in Thuwal and Qadimah.