**STEM from Scratch: Opportunities for Youth Engagement in March**
STEM from Scratch is focused on promoting awareness of the STEM-related programs available each month for youth. This March, there are various programs created to engage learners from diverse backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Here are some compelling opportunities available:
### McMaster University I-STEP: Black Youth IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program
The IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program is designed for Black high school students in Hamilton and the Halton area, providing hands-on STEM experiences and opportunities for leadership growth. It features an after-school STEM club during the winter and a one-week residential program at McMaster’s campus in July.
– **Target Audience:** Black high school students from Hamilton and Halton
– **Program Highlights:** Hands-on STEM experiences, leadership development
– **Follow on Social Media:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/macistep_/)
### BEST STEM Program
As part of I-STEP, the BEST STEM Program caters to younger students (Grades 5-8) from Black, Indigenous, and LatinX communities. It provides after-school initiatives aimed at creating pathways into STEM education and careers, hosted at McMaster University and other Canadian locations.
– **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, and LatinX students in Grades 5-8
– **Program Highlights:** After-school programs, STEM career pathways
– **Pre-Registration:** Required for selecting universities
### STEAM Program (Halton Catholic District School Board)
This four-year initiative for high school students in Catholic schools across the Halton region is free of charge and aims to empower students to take the lead in their educational journeys while preparing them for future employment.
– **Target Audience:** High school students in Catholic schools
– **Program Highlights:** No cost, long-term engagement
– **Schools Offered At:** St. Ignatius of Loyola, Notre Dame, St. Francis Xavier
### Autism Centre for Kids: STEM Programs
These structured offerings are tailored for children with autism, emphasizing hands-on learning and problem-solving skills. The programs are divided into age-appropriate categories, providing sensory-friendly materials and engaging challenges.
– **Programs Offered:**
– **Junior Innovators:** Ages 4-6, fundamental scientific concepts
– **Builders Challenge:** Ages 6-10, problem-solving methods
– **Tech Explorers:** Ages 9-12, advanced engineering principles
– **RoboGenius:** Ages 12-15, robotics and software engineering
– **Payment:** Required (pricing details not specified)
– **Contact:** [Autism Centre for Kids](https://autismcenterforkids.com/contact-us/)
### STEAM Design Program: University of Toronto
This initiative is aimed at Grade 10-11 students from underrepresented backgrounds in health sciences, offering a credit course and a financial stipend upon course completion.
– **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, and other racialized students facing socio-economic challenges
– **Program Highlights:**
– Grade 12 Science University/College Preparation Credit (SNC4M1)
– $1,600 stipend upon completion
– **Application Period:** Opens March 16, 2025, with reopening in October
### The STEAM Project
Serving students in Grades K-8, this program includes summer camps, school break camps, and after-school/weekend courses focused on design, electronics, woodworking, and robotics.
– **Target Audience:** Students in Grades K-8
– **Program Highlights:** 1:4 teacher-student ratio, hands-on learning
– **Locations:** Richmond Hill and Markham
### Toronto STEM School
A private high school dedicated to STEM education, offering both full-time and part-time programs, AP courses, and tutoring. It also accommodates international students and provides coding classes for younger learners.
– **Target Audience:** Students in Grades 6-12 (primarily Grades 9-12)
– **Program Highlights:** Full-time and part-time options, AP courses, international student accommodations
– **Location:** Eglinton Region, Toronto
These programs present significant educational and career opportunities for students, fostering innovation and leadership within STEM fields.