STEM from Scratch shares monthly opportunities to enhance awareness of STEM-related initiatives for youth participation. Here are the opportunities for March!
McMaster University I-STEP: Black Youth IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program
The IMHOTEP STEM Enrichment Program at McMaster University is created to offer Black high school students in Hamilton and Halton area practical STEM experiences and leadership growth opportunities. The initiative includes an after-school STEM club during the winter months and a week-long residential program on McMaster’s campus in July.
- Target Audience: Black high school students in Hamilton and Halton
- Program Highlights: Practical STEM experiences, leadership growth
- 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 activities that facilitate pathways into STEM education and careers. The program takes place at McMaster University and three additional sites across Canada.
- Target Audience: Black, Indigenous, and LatinX students in Grades 5-8
- Program Highlights: After-school programs, pathways to STEM careers
- Pre-Registration: Necessary for university selection
STEAM Program (Halton Catholic District School Board)
The STEAM Program is a complimentary, innovative four-year initiative for high school students attending Catholic schools in Halton. It seeks to empower students to guide their educational journeys and prepare them for future employment.
- Target Audience: High school students in Catholic institutions
- 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 organized STEM programs specifically designed for children with autism. Programs are segmented by age groups and concentrate on hands-on learning, problem-solving, and engineering principles.
- Programs Offered:
- Junior Innovators (Ages 4-6): Fundamental scientific concepts using sensory-friendly materials
- Builders Challenge (Ages 6-10): Problem-solving and hand-eye coordination skills
- Tech Explorers (Ages 9-12): Advanced engineering concepts and robotics
- RoboGenius (Ages 12-15): Robotics and software engineering skills
- Payment Required: Yes (pricing not specified)
- Contact: Autism Centre for Kids
STEAM Design Program: University of Toronto
This initiative supports Grade 10-11 students from marginalized backgrounds in health sciences, providing them with a credit course and a financial stipend upon successful completion.
- Target Audience: Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, and other racialized students encountering socio-economic barriers
- Program Highlights:
- Grade 12 Science University/College Preparation Credit (SNC4M1)
- $1