Ontario Tech University taps into powerful national STEM program leader Actua

In our fast-changing world, one certainty is that jobs of the future will require foundational skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Preparing today’s youth to pursue any possible career path requires a societal commitment to the development of STEM skills at an early age.

Inspiring students to consider STEM opportunities is a principle that drives the innovative efforts of the Engineering Outreach team at Ontario Tech University. Engineering Outreach delivers a wide range of hands-on STEM learning experiences and events across the Durham Region and beyond.

Through its strong community connections, Engineering Outreach has forged powerful new ties with Ottawa, Ontario-based Actua, Canada’s largest STEM youth outreach network. On September 23, the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Engineering Outreach program at Ontario Tech University became Actua’s 40th national network member (15th in Ontario).

Actua provides outstanding training, resources, and day-to-day support as engineering outreach initiatives like the one at Ontario Tech grow their programs. Actua specifically engages underserved youth including girls, Indigenous youth, and youth facing significant socio-economic challenges. Ontario Tech’s new connection to Actua’s growing network contributes to a national strategy for equipping Canadian youth with skills and experience in STEM.

Did you know?

Engineering Outreach’s upcoming community events include:

• Go ENG Girl sessions on Saturday, October 5 (Oshawa) and Saturday, November 2 (Uxbridge).
• Ontario Tech University’s 14th-annual Engineering Robotics Competition for elementary and secondary school students on Saturday, November 16.
• Free public library workshops in Ajax, Oshawa and Clarington (see link for a full list of dates and locations).

Quotes

“We are excited to welcome Ontario Tech University Engineering Outreach to the Actua network. Engineering Outreach is actively engaging youth from K-12 in critical STEM skills-building experiences as well as connecting them with mentorship opportunities.”
-Jennifer Flanagan, CEO, Actua

“The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Ontario Tech University provides hands-on STEM learning opportunities to youth in Durham Region and our surrounding communities. Through Engineering Outreach, we hope that by encouraging a love of STEM at an early age, we will help prepare our youth for the careers of the future. Through our work with Actua, Engineering Outreach will be well-positioned as a leader in STEM programming in the Greater Toronto Area.”
-Dr. Tarlochan Sidhu, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University

About Ontario Tech University Engineering Outreach

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s Engineering Outreach program at Ontario Tech University focuses on bringing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming to communities throughout Durham Region and beyond. We inspire youth to ask questions and empower them to develop solutions to everyday problems through a STEM lens. Engineering Outreach reaches more than 30,000 youth and their parents annually through a wide range of programs including c_wonder: Mobile Design Lab, community workshops, camps and family events. We also work closely with educators and school boards to support STEM teacher professional development. 

• Website: ontariotechu.ca/outreach

About Actua

Actua is Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach network representing 40 university and college-based members. Each year, Actua’s growing network of member organizations reach over 250,000 young Canadians in 500 communities nationwide. Actua focuses on the engagement of underrepresented youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, at-risk youth and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Its national InSTEM program reaches over 35,000 Indigenous youth per year in over 200 Indigenous communities. Actua’s major funding partners include Government of Canada, Google Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, RBC Foundation, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD, Microsoft Canada, Finning Canada, Imperial, Toyota Canada Foundation, GE Canada, Mastercard, CIRA and Lockheed Martin Canada.

• Website: actua.ca

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Media contact
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
289.928.3653
bryan.oliver@ontariotechu.ca