This grant will enable the Engineering Outreach team to expand its reach and inspire more youth, particularly those in underserved communities, through innovative, hands-on STEM learning experiences. For over three decades, the Outreach team has been a leader in fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young learners. This program, which currently inspires over 35,000 youth and educators annually, is now set to extend its reach to an estimated 115,000 participants over the next three years.
“For many young people, access to STEM education is still limited due to systemic barriers and underrepresentation,” says Julie Oliver, the manager of uOttawa Engineering Outreach. “Our program is built on the belief that every student should see themselves as a problem solver, engineer and innovator. By creating inclusive learning spaces, we empower youth to take ownership of their learning and imagine a future where they can pursue STEM fields.”
With the support of NSERC’s PromoScience grant, uOttawa Engineering Outreach will:
- Bring more STEM opportunities to rural and Indigenous communities, such as, Casselman, Kemptville, Carleton Place, and Nunavik.
- Develop new high-impact programs for high school students, such as robotics and engineering design competitions that build technical skills and long-term engagement in STEM fields.
- Launch a traveling Family STEM Fair, to deliver interactive, hands-on learning experiences that ignite curiosity and interest in STEM.
- Enhance teacher training initiatives to equip educators with hands-on STEM projects, instructional resources and classroom-ready kits.
- Expand STEM content accessibility for Francophone communities, particularly in Northern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area.
Hands-on learning to inspire future innovators
These Engineering Outreach programs emphasize interactive, challenge-based learning that introduces students to emerging technologies, such as 3D modeling and printing, programming, robotics, engineering challenges and virtual reality. These experiences not only engage youth and spark their curiosity, but also encourage youth from underrepresented groups to envision themselves in STEM fields.
This initiative will also introduce advanced technical workshops that align with the Grade 9–12 curriculum to help high school students develop confidence and practical skills. By connecting participants with university students and professionals who can serve as mentors, the initiative fosters lasting relationships that support students on their path towards STEM careers.
Strengthening community partnerships
Collaboration is key to the success of uOttawa Engineering Outreach programs. Through strong partnerships with school boards, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations, the program ensures that STEM education is equitable, culturally relevant and accessible to those who need it most. The additional funding provided by this new grant will allow continued collaboration with key partners, like the Centre for Indigenous Community Infrastructures, further expanding outreach efforts.
Inspiring the next generation of innovators
“Too often, youth from underserved communities do not have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with STEM,” says Julie Oliver, who is clearly excited to see the increase in the program’s impact. “By expanding our outreach, we can ensure that more students see themselves reflected in STEM and gain the confidence to pursue it. This funding from NSERC allows us to remove barriers, create new opportunities and equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive.”
“This funding from NSERC allows us to remove barriers, create new opportunities and equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive.”
Julie Olivier
— Manager of uOttawa Engineering Outreach
As one of Canada’s largest university-based STEM outreach programs, uOttawa Engineering Outreach is committed to making science and engineering education more accessible and inclusive. Thanks to funding support from NSERC’s PromoScience program, these initiatives will continue to break down barriers and empower the next generation of problem solvers, innovators and leaders in STEM.