Renewed federal funding will help Ontario Tech University expand STEM opportunities for underrepresented youth

For more than a decade, Ontario Tech University's Engineering Outreach program has delivered engaging science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experiences that help young people develop foundational skills, discover new interests and envision themselves as future innovators, engineers and technology leaders. Through camps, workshops, in-school programming and community partnerships, the program reaches thousands of youth each year while providing educators with tools and resources that support STEM learning in classrooms.

The Engineering Outreach program recently received renewed funding to expand these initiatives through the PromoScience program from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC). The investment, valued at $600,000 over three years, will support the continued growth of Ontario Tech’s award-winning learning opportunities for young people, while reinforcing the university's commitment to making STEM education accessible, inclusive and impactful for youth across Ontario.

• NSERC PromoScience news release (May 25, 2026)

Building on the success of the previous PromoScience grant, the funding will strengthen programs designed for girls, Indigenous youth, Black youth and youth with disabilities, while creating new opportunities to reach underserved communities throughout the province.

The investment comes at a critical time as emerging technologies continue to transform education and the workforce. The next phase of Ontario Tech’s Engineering Outreach programming will prioritize the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy across outreach activities, helping participants develop an understanding of AI technologies, their applications and societal implications. The program will also embed future-focused themes into STEM learning experiences, such as culturally relevant content that empowers youth to envision STEM as a tool for building just and sustainable futures; equitable access to technology; ethical innovation; and community leadership.

The funding will provide stability for the Engineering Outreach program's ongoing operations, supporting the dedicated staff who design and deliver outreach activities while enabling the team to scale successful initiatives and expand their reach into new communities. By investing in program delivery and personnel, the grant ensures Ontario Tech can continue building meaningful relationships with schools, community organizations and youth-serving partners across the region and beyond.

The renewed support aligns with NSERC's PromoScience mandate to inspire young Canadians to explore science and engineering through interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Ontario Tech’s Engineering Outreach program emphasizes increasing participation among groups that remain underrepresented in STEM fields and helping young people develop the skills, confidence and sense of belonging needed to pursue future educational and STEM career pathways.

Quotes

"Ontario Tech Engineering Outreach inspires and empowers young people to see themselves as future innovators, engineers and technology leaders by delivering engaging STEM experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and cultivate pathways to success in engineering and technology. NSERC's continued investment will further expand our reach and provide transformative STEM experiences that inspire young people, strengthen communities, and help build Canada's future talent pipeline."
- Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University

“This funding is a testament to the dedication of our staff, student instructors, volunteers, and community partners who work every day to make STEM accessible, engaging and inspiring. We thank NSERC for its continued support and look forward to building on our success by empowering even more youth to discover their potential through engineering and STEM.”
- Dr. Qusay Mahmoud, Assistant Dean, Engineering Outreach, Ontario Tech University

Gallery

Previous media items Next media items