STEM from Scratch shares monthly opportunities to highlight STEM-related engagements for youth. Here are the options for March!
McMaster University I-STEP: Black Youth IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program
The IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program at McMaster University focuses on offering Black high school students in Hamilton and the Halton area practical STEM experiences and development in leadership. The program features an after-school STEM club throughout the winter and a week-long residential experience at McMaster’s campus in July.
- Target Audience: Black high school students from Hamilton and Halton
- Program Highlights: Practical STEM experiences, leadership development
- Social Media: Instagram
BEST STEM Program
An extension of I-STEP, the BEST STEM Program aids younger students (Grades 5-8) from Black, Indigenous, and LatinX communities. It offers after-school programs that pave the way into STEM education and career paths. This program is hosted at McMaster University along with three additional locations throughout Canada.
- Target Audience: Black, Indigenous, and LatinX students in Grades 5-8
- Program Highlights: After-school programs, STEM career pathways
- Pre-Registration: Necessary for university selection
STEAM Program (Halton Catholic District School Board)
The STEAM Program is a complimentary, innovative four-year initiative tailored for high school students in Catholic schools within the Halton region. Its goal is to empower students to take charge of their educational journeys and get ready for the workforce of the future.
- Target Audience: High school students in Catholic schools
- Program Highlights: No cost, long-term involvement
- Offered At: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Notre Dame, St. Francis Xavier
Autism Centre for Kids: STEM Programs
The Autism Centre for Kids provides structured STEM programs designed specifically for children with autism. The programs are organized by age groups and emphasize hands-on learning, problem-solving, and engineering principles.
- Programs Offered:
- Junior Innovators (Ages 4-6): Basic scientific concepts using sensory-friendly materials
- Builders Challenge (Ages 6-10): Problem-solving and hand-eye coordination activities
- Tech Explorers (Ages 9-12): Advanced engineering principles and robotics
- RoboGenius (Ages 12-15): Robotics and software engineering fundamentals
- Payment Required: Yes (price not specified)
- Contact: Autism Centre for Kids
STEAM Design Program: University of Toronto
This program assists Grade 10-11 students from underrepresented backgrounds in health sciences by providing a credit course and a monetary stipend upon completion.
- Target Audience: Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, and other racialized students encountering socio-economic challenges
- Program Highlights:
- Grade 12 Science University/College Preparation Credit (SNC4M1)
- $1,600 stipend upon program completion
- Priority Consider