**STEM from Scratch: Youth Opportunities in January**
January signifies a new beginning for students keen to explore STEM areas with various opportunities aimed at sparking interest and enhancing skills. Whether one is looking for hands-on learning, online classes, or community initiatives, this compilation from STEM from Scratch provides a variety of options for young scholars to connect with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
**1. I-STEM Program**
– **Location:** Aldershot High School (Burlington), T.A. Blakelock High School (Oakville), Elsie MacGill Secondary School (Milton)
– **Details:** A four-year track from Grades 9-12, necessitating an application in Grade 8 via a random selection method.
– **Focus:** Engineering, design, leadership, global perspective.
– **Fees:** $200 per year.
– **Courses:** STEM-centric including I-STEM Math, Integrated Project-Based Learning.
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
– **Programs:** STEM and Arts activities for kids, including animation and robotics/programming.
– **Duration:** 8-week sessions with four offerings throughout the year.
– **Advice:** Explore local libraries for a variety of STEM-related experiences for youth.
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
– **Audience:** Children ages 3-12 in Toronto, available for Vaughn/Markham residents.
– **Structure:** 8-week sessions, 1 hour each; flexible timing.
– **Cost:** $100-$300.
– **Experience:** Interactive workshops and lessons led by qualified educators, featuring take-home projects.
**4. Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative**
– **Target:** High school attendees.
– **Cost:** $10-$80, generally around $25 for each course.
– **Offerings:** Courses in Computer Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Logic.
– **Perks:** Engaging activities, self-paced learning, online format.
– **Note:** Application timelines and processes vary according to the course.
**5. Girls Who Code**
– **Location:** Based in the USA, accessible globally.
– **Format:** Virtual.
– **Programs:**
– **Clubs:** Grades 3-12, skill levels from beginner to advanced, free, 1-2 hours weekly.
– **Summer Programs:** Grades 9-12, beginner to intermediate, free, flexible schedules, grants available in the US.
These opportunities not only highlight skill acquisition but also promote creativity and innovation. Whether in-person or online, students can discover a fitting program aligned with their interests and availabilities, fostering their development in STEM disciplines from an early stage.