Ontario Tech STEM funding worth $540,000 will help the Oshawa university continue providing inclusive science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs for young people over the next three years.
The renewed federal investment was awarded to Ontario Tech University’s Engineering Outreach program through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s PromoScience program.
The funding will support staff, program development and outreach activities while helping the university build stronger relationships with schools, community organizations and youth-serving partners in Durham Region and across Ontario.
Ontario Tech STEM Funding Supports Inclusive Education
Ontario Tech’s Engineering Outreach program has delivered camps, classroom activities, workshops and community-based learning opportunities for approximately a decade.
The program helps young people develop foundational STEM skills, explore possible career paths and see themselves as future engineers, innovators and technology leaders.
Thousands of young people participate in the university’s outreach activities each year. The program also provides educators with tools and resources they can use to support STEM learning in their classrooms.
Dr. Qusay Mahmoud, Assistant Dean of Engineering Outreach, said the investment recognizes the work of university staff, student instructors, volunteers and community partners who make STEM education accessible and engaging.
The Ontario Tech STEM funding will also provide greater operational stability by supporting the employees responsible for designing and delivering outreach programs.
Programs Will Reach Underrepresented Youth
Ontario Tech plans to use the renewed funding to strengthen programming for groups that have historically faced barriers to participating in STEM education.
These groups include girls, Indigenous youth, Black youth, young people with disabilities and youth living in underserved communities.
The university says expanding access to engineering and technology education can help young participants build confidence, discover their abilities and pursue future educational and employment opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence Literacy Included
Artificial intelligence literacy will be a priority during the next phase of Ontario Tech’s Engineering Outreach programming.
Participants will be introduced to how artificial intelligence technologies work, how they are used and how they can affect individuals and society.
Programs will also explore responsible innovation, equitable access to technology, culturally relevant education, sustainability and community leadership.
Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean of Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, said the outreach initiative encourages young people to view themselves as future innovators and technology leaders.
The university believes the three-year investment will allow it to reach more young people, strengthen communities and contribute to Canada’s future engineering and technology workforce.
