**STEM Initiatives for Young People in January**
**1. [I-STEM Initiative](https://www.hdsb.ca/learning-and-resources/Pages/Secondary%20Education%20and%20Pathways/I-STEM.aspx)**
– Locations: Aldershot High School (Burlington), T.A. Blakelock High School (Oakville), Elsie Macgill Secondary School (Milton)
– Duration: 4-year curriculum from Grade 9-12 (application necessary in Grade 8; selection by lottery)
– Emphasis: Engineering, design, leadership, global insight, innovative and analytical thinking
– Fee: $200 yearly
– Curriculum: Courses centered on STEM (e.g., I-STEM Math, Integrated Project Based Learning)
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
– Provides: STEM and Arts initiatives for youth
– Encompasses animation and robotics/programming
– Duration: 8 weeks, available 4 times annually
– Note: Explore additional public libraries for other STEM-related offerings
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
– Audience: Children aged 3-12 in Toronto (reachable from Vaughn/Markham)
– Format: 8-week sessions, 1 hour each, adaptable scheduling
– Cost: $100-$300
– Highlights: STEM workshops and lessons, experiential learning, children can bring home their projects
**4. [Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative](https://oli.cmu.edu/independent-learner-courses)**
– Target Group: High school students
– Fee: Ranges from $10 to $80 (most courses priced at $25 per participant)
– Offerings: Topics in Computer Science, Programming, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Logic
– Engaging activities, evaluations, multimedia content
– Self-directed learning
– Learning Format: Online, application details and timelines vary by course
**5. [Girls Who Code](https://girlswhocode.com/programs)**
– Reach: Worldwide applications, based in the USA, all programs offered virtually
– Clubs Program:
– Grades: 3-12 (divided into 3-5 and 6-12)
– Levels: From beginner to advanced
– Fee: No cost
– Duration: 1-2 hours weekly (after school or on weekends)
– Summer Programs:
– Grades: 9-12
– Levels: From beginner to intermediate
– Fee: No cost
– Flexible timing, grants available in the USA