**STEM from Scratch: March Opportunities for Youth Engagement**
STEM from Scratch is dedicated to enhancing awareness of STEM-related opportunities available for youth, enabling the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. In March, a range of programs throughout Canada are available for eager young learners wishing to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics more thoroughly.
### McMaster University I-STEP: Black Youth IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program
The IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program at McMaster University is designed for Black high school students from Hamilton and Halton. It emphasizes practical STEM experiences and leadership growth. The program features an after-school STEM club during winter and a summer residential program.
– **Target Audience:** Black high school students from Hamilton and Halton
– **Program Highlights:** Practical experiences, leadership growth
– **Social Media:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/macistep_/)
### BEST STEM Program
Part of the I-STEP initiative, the BEST STEM Program targets younger students from Black, Indigenous, and LatinX communities. The after-school programs direct students toward STEM education and careers and are held at McMaster University and various locations across Canada.
– **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, and LatinX students in Grades 5-8
– **Program Highlights:** After-school programs, career pathways
– **Pre-Registration:** Required
### STEAM Program (Halton Catholic District School Board)
Aimed at high school students in Catholic schools in Halton, this free, four-year program enables students to take control of their education in preparation for future careers.
– **Target Audience:** High school students in Catholic schools
– **Program Highlights:** Free of charge, long-term involvement
– **Offered At:** St. Ignatius of Loyola, Notre Dame, St. Francis Xavier
### Autism Centre for Kids: STEM Programs
These specialized programs are designed for children with autism, concentrating on hands-on learning, problem-solving, and engineering concepts across various age groups.
– **Programs Offered:**
– **Junior Innovators (Ages 4-6):** Fundamental concepts with sensory-friendly materials
– **Builders Challenge (Ages 6-10):** Problem-solving, coordination
– **Tech Explorers (Ages 9-12):** Advanced concepts, robotics
– **RoboGenius (Ages 12-15):** Robotics, software engineering
– **Payment Required:** Yes
– **Contact:** [Autism Centre for Kids](https://autismcenterforkids.com/contact-us/)
### STEAM Design Program: University of Toronto
This initiative provides assistance to Grade 10-11 students from underrepresented backgrounds in health sciences, including a credit course and stipend upon completion.
– **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, other racialized students
– **Program Highlights:**
– Grade 12 Science Preparation Credit (SNC4M1)
– $1,600 stipend
– **Priority Consideration:** Underserved schools and neighborhoods
– **Application Period:** Opens March 16, 2025 (reopens in October)
### The STEAM Project
Providing STEM education for Grades K-8, this project features summer camps, school break camps, and various courses. The emphasis is on design, electronics, woodworking, and robotics.
– **Target Audience:** Students in Grades K-8
– **Program Highlights:** Low teacher-student ratio, practical learning
– **Locations:** Richmond Hill and Markham
### Toronto STEM School
This private high school focuses on STEM education with both full-time and part-time programs, including AP courses and coding classes for younger students.
– **Target Audience:** Students in Grades 6-12 (mostly Grades 9-12)
– **Program Highlights:** Full and part-time options, AP courses
– **Location:** Eglinton Region, Toronto
These programs offer educational and career pathways for diverse student populations, encouraging innovation and leadership within the STEM sectors.