# **STEM from Scratch: March Opportunities for Youth in STEM**
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is vital for nurturing the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. “STEM from Scratch” is dedicated to promoting various educational programs that offer enriching experiences for youth. Each month, thrilling STEM-related opportunities are accessible to students from varied backgrounds. Below are some exceptional programs for March, providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and even financial assistance to participants.
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## **1. [McMaster University I-STEP: Black Youth IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program](https://linktr.ee/macistep_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYg2aBAvOO7R9xbz221O5bvX4Vn_4CCVueGPx3I9cJCpje6zG9vL54CFL8_aem_ss-qVXKw-fTp_PCGpfPCBw)**
The **IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program** at McMaster University aims to offer Black high school students from Hamilton and the Halton region engaging STEM experiences alongside leadership training.
🔹 **Target Audience:** Black high school students from Hamilton and Halton
🔹 **Program Highlights:** Hands-on STEM experiences, leadership skill development
🔹 **Social Media:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/macistep_/)
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## **2. [BEST STEM Program](https://www.beststem.ca/)**
Part of McMaster University’s I-STEP initiative, the **BEST STEM Program** assists younger Black, Indigenous, and LatinX students (Grades 5-8) through captivating after-school programs that familiarize them with STEM fields and career paths.
🔹 **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, and LatinX students in Grades 5-8
🔹 **Program Highlights:** After-school STEM workshops, career discovery
🔹 **Pre-Registration:** Mandatory for university selection
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## **3. [STEAM Program – Halton Catholic District School Board](https://www.hcdsb.org/learning-resources/steam-program/)**
The **STEAM Program** represents a four-year **free** initiative aimed at high school students attending Catholic schools in Halton. The program focuses on student-directed education and career readiness in STEM and the arts.
🔹 **Target Audience:** High school students in Catholic institutions
🔹 **Program Highlights:** Free of charge, long-term engagement
🔹 **Participating Schools:** St. Ignatius of Loyola, Notre Dame, St. Francis Xavier
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## **4. [Autism Centre for Kids: STEM Programs](https://autismcenterforkids.com/engaging-stem-programs-at-oakville-halton/)**
The **Autism Centre for Kids** provides tailored STEM programs for children on the autism spectrum, ensuring an inclusive and sensory-friendly educational atmosphere. Programs are organized by age to cater to varying levels of interest and ability in STEM.
🔹 **Programs Offered:**
✔ **Junior Innovators (Ages 4-6):** Interactive learning with sensory tools
✔ **Builders Challenge (Ages 6-10):** Coordination and problem-solving skills
✔ **Tech Explorers (Ages 9-12):** Introductory coding and engineering concepts
✔ **RoboGenius (Ages 12-15):** Robotics and software engineering
🔹 **Payment:** Required (pricing not specified)
🔹 **Contact:** [Autism Centre for Kids](https://autismcenterforkids.com/contact-us/)
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## **5. [University of Toronto: STEAM Design Program](https://temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/steam-design-program)**
The **STEAM Design Program** presents high school students from underrepresented backgrounds the chance to engage in fields related to science and health. Participants receive a credit course as well as a financial stipend!
🔹 **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, and other racialized students
🔹 **Program Benefits:**
✔ Grade 12 Science Credit (SNC4M1)
✔ $1,600 stipend upon program completion
🔹 **Priority:** Students from underserved communities
🔹 **Application Period:** Opens **March 16, 2025** (re-opens in October)
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## **6. [The STEAM Project](https://www.thesteamproject.ca/)**
Providing hands-on STEM instruction, **The STEAM Project** offers **summer camps, school break programs, and weekend courses** that encompass design, electronics, coding, and robotics.
🔹 **Target Audience:** Grade K-8 students
🔹 **Program Highlights:** 1:4 teacher-student ratio, practical projects
🔹 **Locations:** Richmond Hill and Markham