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In recent years, an increase in financial contributions from Actua has allowed WEO programs to grow and reach more students. Part of this funding comes from a in the Actua network through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund. In 2022, WEO introduced two new programs — STEMpowered for Black youth and Kids on Campus for fourth graders. Both programs bring children onto campus for immersive STEM learning experiences that expose them to new possibilities and pathways. In 2023, the Travelling STEM program kicked off, visiting Indigenous communities across Ontario to deliver culturally relevant STEM activities on-site. Interest in longstanding programs such as Women in Engineering (WiE) for girls, Engineering Science Quest (ESQ) for all youth and Catalyst for high school students continues to grow with a steady increase in reach.

Actua’s support helps WEO offer its programs at no cost to the participating students, schools or communities. It also provides training resources, helping WEO student instructors develop their skills in topics such as classroom management, anti-racism in STEM and Indigenous worldviews.

“Actua’s unwavering support has been instrumental in expanding our barrier-free STEM programs,” said Sophie Nasato, Senior Manager of Engineering Outreach. “We're able to introduce more youth to STEM in inclusive and interesting ways, creating important pathways from kindergarten to young adulthood.”

“Many of our WEO student instructors are former Actua participants, highlighting this partnership’s profound influence. Beyond financial and resource support, being part of the Actua network connects us with outreach leaders across Canada, enabling vital collaboration and strengthening STEM education nationwide.”

��ݮ��Ƶ Engineering Outreach achieves its goals thanks to its partnerships with 16 school boards, 49 community organizations, 10 industry partners, 20+ campus supporters and alumni donors who are pivotal to the success of its initiatives. With diversified financial support from Actua, self-generated revenue, NSERC PromoScience, one-off grants and individual donors, WEO delivers an ongoing and growing schedule of impactful programs each year.

Read Empowering Black youth to pursue STEM, Igniting curiosity and interest in STEM and Making STEM more inclusive to learn more about three ��ݮ��Ƶ Engineering Outreach programs.

��𲹻���Planting the seeds for innovation and curiosity for more about the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ's commitment to youth engagement in STEM through its ��ݮ��Ƶ Engineering and Science outreach initiatives. 

Get in touch with Sophie Nasato, Senior Manager, Engineering Outreach at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, to find out how you can support ��ݮ��Ƶ Engineering Outreach as a sponsor, donor, co-op student or community partner.  

Actua, a Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization, is a lead sponsor of ��ݮ��Ƶ Engineering Outreach. Each year, the Actua network engages over 500,000 youth in 600 communities across Canada in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence.