**January STEM Opportunities for Youth**
STEM from Scratch is committed to fostering youth participation in STEM domains, and each month, we showcase thrilling programs and initiatives. Here are the opportunities accessible for January:
**1. [I-STEM Program](https://www.hdsb.ca/learning-and-resources/Pages/Secondary%20Education%20and%20Pathways/I-STEM.aspx)**
– Offered at Aldershot High School (Burlington), T.A. Blakelock High School (Oakville), and Elsie MacGill Secondary School (Milton).
– A four-year program from Grade 9-12; students should apply in Grade 8 (selection is via random drawing).
– Emphasizes engineering, design, and leadership abilities.
– Promotes critical and imaginative thinking with a global outlook.
– Annual fee of $200; curriculum features STEM-oriented courses such as I-STEM Math and Integrated Project-Based Learning.
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
– Provides a variety of STEM and Arts programs for kids, including animation and robotics/programming.
– Most programs run for eight weeks and take place four times each year.
– Local libraries offer an array of STEM-related options for children, so be sure to check your local listings.
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
– Caters to kids aged 3-12 in Toronto and is accessible for residents of Vaughan/Markham.
– Includes eight-week sessions with flexible attendance; pricing ranges from $100-$300.
– Offers hands-on STEM workshops with certified instructors, enabling students to bring home their projects.
**4. [Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative](https://oli.cmu.edu/independent-learner-courses)**
– Tailored for high school students, with course costs varying from $10 to $80, typically around $25.
– Provides a selection of STEM courses such as Computer Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics, and more.
– Features interactive activities and assessments; learners can progress at their own pace.
– Requires applications, with differing program dates and prerequisites for various courses; learning is conducted remotely.
**5. [Girls Who Code](https://girlswhocode.com/programs)**
– Seeks to remove obstacles for women and non-binary individuals in STEM.
– While based in the USA, the programs welcome global applications and are completely virtual.
– Clubs Program: A virtual initiative for grades 3-12, suited for all skill levels, free of charge, 1-2 hours weekly.
– Summer Programs: Designed for grades 9-12 with beginner to intermediate skill levels, free of charge with various scheduling options; scholarships available for US participants.
These opportunities provide outstanding avenues for youth to connect with STEM topics and enhance their skills within a supportive and vibrant setting.