STEM from Scratch highlights opportunities each month to promote STEM-related initiatives for youth engagement. Here are the January opportunities!
**1. [I-STEM Program](https://www.hdsb.ca/learning-and-resources/Pages/Secondary%20Education%20and%20Pathways/I-STEM.aspx)**
– Available at Aldershot High School (Burlington), T.A. Blakelock High School (Oakville), and Elsie MAcgill Secondary School (Milton)
– A 4-year program from Grade 9-12 (applications required in Grade 8 – selection by chance)
– Cultivates skills in engineering, design, and leadership
– Fosters creative and critical thinking with a focus on the global landscape
– Annual fee of $200
– Courses are predominantly STEM-oriented (e.g., I-STEM Math, Integrated Project Based Learning)
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
– Provides a range of STEM and Arts programs for kids
– Includes animation, robotics/programming
– Most programs last 8 weeks and are held 4 times a year
– Also explore your local public library as they offer numerous STEM-related programs for children
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
– For children aged 3-12 in Toronto
– Convenient for residents of Vaughn/Markham
– 8-week sessions lasting 1 hour, with flexible attendance options, costs between 100-300 dollars
– Features STEM workshops and lessons conducted by qualified instructors
– Hands-on experiences, with students able to take their projects home
**[4. Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative](https://oli.cmu.edu/independent-learner-courses)**
– Intended for high school students
– Costs range from $10 to $80, with most programs priced at $25 per student (you pay only for chosen courses)
– Open Learning Initiative (OLI) courses offering various STEM opportunities, including Computer Science, Programming, Life Sciences, and Mathematics
– Each course includes interactive activities, assessments, and multimedia resources
– Study at your own pace
– Application required, varying application and program dates depending on selected courses
– Online learning
Non-profit organization focused on dismantling barriers for women and non-binary individuals in the STEM and Technology sectors
**[5. Girls Who Code](https://girlswhocode.com/programs)**
– Based in the USA, but applications are accepted globally. All programs are virtual!
– Clubs Program
– Online program
– For Grades 3-12 (divided into groups 3-5 and 6-12)
– Ranges from beginner to advanced skill levels
– No cost to participate
– 1-2 hours weekly commitment (after school or on weekends during the academic year)
– Summer Programs
– For Grades 9-12
– Level ranges from beginner to intermediate
– No cost involved
– Flexible program options accommodating students’ schedules
– Available grants (for students within the United States)