**January STEM Opportunities for Youngsters**
**1. [I-STEM Initiative](https://www.hdsb.ca/learning-and-resources/Pages/Secondary%20Education%20and%20Pathways/I-STEM.aspx)**
– Location: Aldershot High School (Burlington), T.A. Blakelock High School (Oakville), Elsie Macgill Secondary School (Milton)
– Duration: 4-year program for grades 9-12 (application in grade 8 – random selection)
– Focus: Engineering, design, leadership abilities
– Annual Fee: $200
– Features: Creative, critical thinking, global perspective
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
– Programs: STEM and Arts for kids, including animation and robotics/programming
– Duration: 8 weeks, offered 4 times a year
– Note: Investigate local public libraries for comparable programs
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
– For: Children aged 3-12 in Toronto (accessible from Vaughn/Markham)
– Duration: 8-week sessions, 1 hour each
– Cost: $100-$300
– Features: Interactive STEM workshops, students take home their creations
**4. [Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative](https://oli.cmu.edu/independent-learner-courses)**
– Target: High school students
– Cost: $10 to $80 (most $25 per course)
– Courses: Computer Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics, etc.
– Features: Engaging activities, self-paced, online learning
**5. [Girls Who Code](https://girlswhocode.com/programs)**
– Programs: Virtual, accessible worldwide
– Clubs Program: Grades 3-12, free, 1-2 hours/week
– Summer Programs: Grades 9-12, free, scholarships for USA students
– Skill Levels: Beginner to advanced
These opportunities offer a variety of affordable ways for youth to participate in STEM education this January.