**STEM from Scratch: Opportunities for Youth Engagement in January**
STEM from Scratch focuses on increasing awareness of STEM field opportunities for young individuals. Below are January’s key offerings for youth eager to engage in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics:
**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 4-year program for Grades 9-12; applications are required in Grade 8 with a random selection process.
– Emphasizes engineering, design, and leadership, fostering creative and critical thinking in a global context.
– Annual fee: $200.
– Provides specialized STEM courses including I-STEM Math and Integrated Project Based Learning.
**2. Halton Hills Public Library**
– Offers a variety of STEM and Arts programs for children, such as animation and robotics/programming.
– Programs generally last 8 weeks and occur 4 times a year.
– Invites families to discover STEM resources at their local public libraries.
**3. Chamelea Science Centre**
– Situated in Toronto, serves children aged 3-12, accessible to those in Vaughn/Markham.
– Provides 8-week sessions of 1-hour classes, with costs ranging from $100 to $300.
– Hosts STEM workshops conducted by qualified instructors, featuring hands-on learning experiences.
**4. [Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative](https://oli.cmu.edu/independent-learner-courses)**
– Designed for high school students, with course fees between $10 and $80, typically around $25.
– Courses include Computer Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics, and more, all featuring interactive activities.
– Facilitates independent learning with flexible scheduling.
– Provides remote learning opportunities, requiring an application for each specific course.
**5. [Girls Who Code](https://girlswhocode.com/programs)**
– A global non-profit dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals in STEM.
– Programs are virtual and available to students around the world, based in the USA.
*Clubs Program:*
– Virtual for Grades 3-12, with groups divided into Grades 3-5 and 6-12.
– Open to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
– Free of charge, with a commitment of 1-2 hours weekly, available after school or on weekends.
*Summer Programs:*
– Target Grades 9-12, offering beginner to intermediate levels.
– Free, accommodating various schedules.
– Includes grant options for students in the U.S.
Discover these fantastic opportunities this January to enhance your STEM abilities and expand your horizons!