STEM from Scratch features monthly opportunities aimed at enhancing awareness of STEM-related initiatives for youth to engage. Here are the opportunities for March!
**[McMaster University I-STEP: Black Youth IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program](https://linktr.ee/macistep_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYg2aBAvOO7R9xbz221O5bvX4Vn_4CCVueGPx3I9cJCpje6zG9vL54CFL8_aem_ss-qVXKw-fTp_PCGpfPCBw)**
The IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program at McMaster University aims to offer Black high school students from Hamilton and the Halton area engaging hands-on STEM experiences alongside opportunities for leadership development. The program features an after-school STEM club during the winter and a week-long residential experience on McMaster’s campus in July.
– **Target Audience:** Black high school students from Hamilton and Halton
– **Program Highlights:** Practical STEM experiences, leadership skills development
– **Social Media:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/macistep_/)
**[BEST STEM Program](https://www.beststem.ca/)**
As a branch of I-STEP, the BEST STEM Program assists younger students (Grades 5-8) from Black, Indigenous, and LatinX communities. It offers after-school activities designed to create pathways into STEM education and careers. The program operates at McMaster University and three other sites across Canada.
– **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, and LatinX students in Grades 5-8
– **Program Highlights:** After-school activities, STEM career pathways
– **Pre-Registration:** Necessary for university selection
**[STEAM Program (Halton Catholic District School Board)](https://www.hcdsb.org/learning-resources/steam-program/)**
The STEAM Program is a no-cost, innovative four-year initiative targeted at high school students in Catholic schools within the Halton region. It seeks to empower students to spearhead their educational journeys and equip them for the future workforce.
– **Target Audience:** High school students in Catholic schools
– **Program Highlights:** No cost, long-term commitment
– **Offered At:** St. Ignatius of Loyola, Notre Dame, St. Francis Xavier
**[Autism Centre for Kids: STEM Programs](https://autismcenterforkids.com/engaging-stem-programs-at-oakville-halton/)**
The Autism Centre for Kids provides structured STEM programs specifically designed for children with autism. These programs are categorized by age groups and emphasize hands-on learning, problem-solving, and engineering principles.
– **Programs Offered:**
– **Junior Innovators (Ages 4-6):** Introductory scientific concepts with sensory-friendly materials
– **Builders Challenge (Ages 6-10):** Emphasis on problem-solving and hand-eye coordination
– **Tech Explorers (Ages 9-12):** Focus on advanced engineering concepts and robotics
– **RoboGenius (Ages 12-15):** Robotics and software engineering
– **Payment Required:** Yes (pricing not available)
– **Contact:** [Autism Centre for Kids](https://autismcenterforkids.com/contact-us/)
**[STEAM Design Program: University of Toronto](https://temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/steam-design-program)**
This initiative supports Grade 10-11 students from underrepresented backgrounds in health sciences, granting them a credit course and a financial stipend upon completion.
– **Target Audience:** Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, and other marginalized students facing financial barriers
– **Program Highlights:**
– Grade 12 Science University/College Preparation Credit (SNC4M1)
– $1,600 stipend upon completion
– **Priority Consideration:** Students from disadvantaged schools and areas
– **Application Period:** Opens March 16, 2025 (reopens in October)
**[The STEAM Project](https://www.thesteamproject.ca/)**
The STEAM Project offers STEM education programming for students in Grades K-8, including summer camps, school break camps, and after-school/weekend courses. Programs center around design, electronics, woodworking, and robotics.
– **Target Audience:** Students in Grades K-8
– **Program Highlights:** 1:4 teacher-student ratio, experiential learning, various locations
– **Locations:** Richmond Hill and Markham
**[Toronto STEM School](https://www.torontostemschool.com/)**
A private high school focused on STEM, offering both full-time and part-time programs, an AP track, and private tutoring. The school also features coding classes for younger students and accommodations for international students.
– **Target Audience:** Students in Grades 6-12 (primarily Grades 9-12)