STEAM in the Dominican Republic: current challenges and opportunities for the future

The STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) has proven to be an innovative strategy for improving educational quality by fostering critical competencies such as creativity and problem-solving. In the Dominican Republic, its implementation has shown significant progress in specific contexts, although structural challenges limit its adoption at a national level. The purpose of this study was to analyze the current state of STEAM education in the country, identifying thematic gaps in the literature and proposing strategies to optimize its application. The research employed a qualitative approach based on a narrative literature review, gathering data from international and local sources and prioritizing studies that reflected the particularities of the Dominican context. The findings revealed successful cases, such as the Liceo Científico Dr. Miguel Canela Lázaro, where STEAM has enhanced academic performance and reduced learning gaps. However, limitations persist regarding teacher training, access to technological resources, and territorial inequality. It is concluded that the STEAM approach holds great potential to transform education in the country, provided that inclusive policies are implemented, teaching capacities are strengthened, and equity in access to resources is promoted.