Youth across the region will benefit from a new community education program this summer!

Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines (GSM) and Science North are partnering to provide this STEM-focused programming to kids at a variety of community events.

Collaborating with school board summer programs, local festivals, and over 20 Indigenous communities, GSM and Science North teams will be distributing educational activity kits, delivering engaging workshops, and presenting interesting exhibits.

The program integrates GSM’s Electrifying the Future workshops which feature STEM activities from the earth to the automobile and Science North’s Summer Science Days which are day programs about green technology, conducted in a camp-like setting.

The comprehensive approach to program delivery makes it possible for more than 1600 youth from underrepresented communities across Northern Ontario to learn some fundamentals of science, technology and engineering.

For younger students, the program provides an entry-point to engage with STEM concepts. For older students, the program encourages an ongoing interest in STEM and the exploration of future career opportunities in the sector. Program delivery at community events is designed to appeal to a variety of ages with activities that educate on the emerging trends of innovation and technology, and the importance of critical minerals while the summer school programming is tailored to specific ages from kindergarten to grade 8.

Electrifying the Future is committed to promoting inclusive and engaging learning opportunities for all, including members of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Colour) communities, members of 2SLGBTQ+ Communities, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and people living in remote areas. Our staff in charge of developing and preparing the Electrifying the Future programs will be trained in EDI principles to ensure that everyone can see themselves in the activities and careers presented.