In today's dynamic world, children are growing up amid unprecedented global challenges. From the urgency of the climate crisis to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, alongside such persistent issues as international conflicts, demographic shifts, and social inequality, the youngest generation faces a landscape much different from that of their parents and grandparents. To confront these challenges head-on, they must develop a comprehensive skill set and dispositions encompassing critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, intercultural competence, and socio-emotional resilience. These abilities not only enable them to navigate the complexities of the modern era but also empower them to actively shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come. But how can this be achieved? In Germany, the Stiftung Kinder forschen (Little Scientists Foundation) pursues this mission of strengthening children for the major challenges of the 21st century. It focuses primarily on the youngest generation, starting in daycare centers, as the first sites of formal education, and following through in primary schools. At the core of its educational program is STEM Education for Sustainable Development.