**STEM from Scratch: January Youth Engagement Opportunities**
**1. [I-STEM Program](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), and Elsie Macgill Secondary School (Milton).
– Duration: 4-year program spanning Grades 9-12 (apply in Grade 8; selection is random).
– Focus: Engineering skills, design, leadership, creative and critical thinking, global outlook.
– Cost: $200 per year.
– Curriculum: STEM-centric studies such as I-STEM Math and Integrated Project Based Learning.
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
– Provides various STEM and Arts programs, including Animation and Robotics/Programming for kids.
– Structure: Programs last 8 weeks, offered four times annually.
– Recommendation: Explore local libraries for more STEM-related offerings.
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
– Audience: Children aged 3-12 in Toronto and areas like Vaughn/Markham.
– Program: 8-week sessions, each lasting 1 hour; flexible attendance options.
– Cost: $100-$300.
– Offering: Hands-on STEM workshops where students can take home their projects.
**4. [Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative](https://oli.cmu.edu/independent-learner-courses)**
– Audience: High school learners.
– Cost: Most courses available for $25 per student; prices range from $10 to $80.
– Curriculum: Courses in Computer Science, Programming, Life Sciences, Mathematics, and Logic.
– Learning Approach: Interactive tasks, assessments, multimedia materials, self-paced study.
– Format: Online learning.
**5. [Girls Who Code](https://girlswhocode.com/programs)**
– Accessibility: Based in the USA; open to international applications. All programs are virtual.
– **Clubs Program**
– Virtual, for Grades 3-12 (grouped into 3-5 and 6-12).
– Welcoming all skill levels.
– No cost.
– Commitment: 1-2 hours per week after school or on weekends.
– **Summer Programs**
– Geared toward Grades 9-12.
– Ranges from beginner to intermediate levels.
– Free with optional scheduling.
– U.S. participants: Grant opportunities available.
These initiatives offer a myriad of chances for youth to delve into STEM, cultivating skills and interests across various subjects and age ranges.