Baguio Students Build Skyscrapers Out of Spaghetti in Latest STEM Discovery Program

Baguio City, Philippines - August 20, 2026 - Forty-two Grade 5 pupils at Springhills Elementary School stepped away from traditional textbooks and into active scientific discovery during the third round of the EXCITE STEM LEAP Discovery Program. By building spaghetti towers and density models, the young learners spent the day thinking like engineers through trial, error, and teamwork. 

STEM LEAP (STEM Learning and Application through Play) is a program by the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) that introduces students to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through hands-on, play-based learning. The program is structured around three pathways — Excite, Explore, Experience — which aims to spark early interest in STEM fields and help children carry those skills forward toward real-world applications.

Guided by volunteers from Texas Instruments, students put scientific concepts into action through hands-on activities like the Density Tower and the Spaghetti Skyscraper Challenge. A key highlight of the day was an inspiring talk by Engr. Mc Zinsser Bagcal of Texas Instruments, who shared his personal journey into STEM and urged the young learners to stay curious and dream big.

This third leg of the EXCITE STEM LEAP Discovery Program marks the latest installment in the joint commitment of Texas Instruments and ASSIST to bring impactful CSR initiatives directly to public school classrooms across Baguio City. 

By bridging corporate resources with community needs, ASSIST partners with private sector leaders to turn strategic CSR goals and meaningful employee engagement into sustainable, long-term social impact for local communities. Visit www.assistasia.org to explore CSR opportunities with ASSIST.

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ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is a self-sustaining pan-Asian NGO working at the intersection of social impact and sustainable transformation. True to its role as a Partner for Progress, ASSIST collaborates with corporate and institutional funders to deliver co-created initiatives as well as award-winning flagship programs that convert social investments into lasting local capacity. Explore our work and partner with us: www.assistasia.org