**STEM from Scratch: January Youth Engagement Opportunities**
This January, “STEM from Scratch” is highlighting an array of opportunities for young people to explore the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These initiatives are crafted to foster skills, ignite interests, and promote engagement in STEM domains. Here’s what’s on offer:
**1. [I-STEM Program](https://www.hdsb.ca/learning-and-resources/Pages/Secondary%20Education%20and%20Pathways/I-STEM.aspx)**
This extensive 4-year program is offered at Aldershot High School (Burlington), T.A. Blakelock High School (Oakville), and Elsie MacGill Secondary School (Milton). Beginning in Grade 9, students must apply in Grade 8 and are chosen at random. Emphasizing engineering, design, and leadership, it nurtures innovative and analytical thinking with a worldwide outlook. The annual fee is $200, with an emphasis on STEM courses such as I-STEM Math and Integrated Project-Based Learning.
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
The library presents a plethora of STEM and Arts programs aimed at children. Classes cover subjects like animation and robotics/programming, typically lasting 8 weeks and occurring four times a year. It’s advisable to check out other public libraries as well, as they might provide varied STEM-related events.
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
Situated in Toronto, but open to residents of Vaughn and Markham, this center serves children aged 3-12. It conducts 8-week sessions, with individual workshops lasting one hour each. Costs range from $100 to $300, enabling participants to select their convenience. With a commitment to experiential learning, students participate in STEM workshops facilitated by qualified instructors and can take their creations home.
**4. [Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative](https://oli.cmu.edu/independent-learner-courses)**
Targeted at high school students, this initiative offers a wide variety of online STEM courses. Course costs vary from $10 to $80, with most priced around $25. Students can explore topics like Computer Science, Programming, Life Sciences, Mathematics, and Logic, featuring interactive content with multimedia resources and evaluations. The online format allows for self-directed study, yet application and program dates differ by course.
**5. [Girls Who Code](https://girlswhocode.com/programs)**
Based in the USA but reachable worldwide through online platforms, Girls Who Code empowers young women and non-binary individuals in STEM. Their Clubs Program is intended for grades 3-12, providing a free virtual curriculum from entry-level to advanced stages. Requiring a commitment of 1-2 hours per week, these sessions occur after school or on weekends. The Summer Programs are also free, aimed at students in grades 9-12, tailored for beginner to intermediate levels, and offer flexible scheduling. Grants are available for students in the United States.