In 2025, our Engineering outreach programs reached over 41,500 youth and, more importantly, expanded who sees themselves in engineering. Across classrooms, communities, camps and conferences, we created spaces where young people could imagine themselves as engineers, many for the first time. From girls and 2SLGBTQIA youth, to Black youth, Indigenous youth, youth living with disabilities and newcomers to Canada, our programs are intentionally designed to broaden participation in STEM and reduce systemic barriers. The result is not just participation. It is belonging, confidence and expanded possibility.
This work matters because diversity, in the broadest sense of the term, strengthens engineering. Inclusive pathways into engineering help ensure that the solutions developed by tomorrow’s engineers reflect the needs, realities and aspirations of the communities they will serve.
2025 marked 35 years of high-impact programming since our founding in 1990. We grew 30% from 31,700 participants in 2024, and more substantially 207% from 13,500 participants in 2017, to our 2025 reach of 41,500 youth. Critically, 95% of our reach occurred through programs offered at no cost, reinforcing a core principle: access to engineering experiences should not depend on a family’s ability to pay. Teams delivered 6,425 face-to-face contact hours of programming, equivalent to roughly 268 days of direct engagement.
This year, Engineering Outreach was honoured to receive the ONWiE Innovation Award for their Travelling STEM Program, reflecting a broader commitment to community-based programming and the equitable approaches the team brings to reaching youth where they are.
The momentum we have built is extraordinary, and our ambition remains high. Looking forward, we are committed to strengthening our program offerings and continuing to lead through content excellence. Our focus will align with the skills the next generation of engineers will need: engineering design for creative problem solving, digital literacy, cyber safety and artificial intelligence.
None of this is possible without sustained investment. Offering barrier-free programming at no cost to families is central to our mission, and it depends on the continued generosity of those who believe, as we do, that every young person deserves the chance to discover their potential in engineering.
Thank you for being part of this work. Your investment is not measured only in numbers, it is measured by each young person who walked into one of our programs uncertain of their place in STEM, and walked out knowing they belong.
Our vision, grounded in the values of community, innovation, responsibility and excellence, is to build a campus environment that inspires connection, sustainability and innovation through the next generation, while creating a culture of inclusion that welcomes diverse perspectives to shape the communities we serve.
Our mission is to engage young people in the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by igniting their natural curiosity and cultivating a commitment to lifelong learning, discovery and invention.
From elementary school classrooms to high school conferences, from community libraries to university campuses, our programs meet young people where they are. Each year, we connect thousands of youth across with meaningful STEM experiences. By prioritizing equity alongside engagement, we are building future innovators that reflects the full diversity of our communities.
Grades K to 6
32,743 Youth Reached
Opening doors to STEM
Women in Engineering
Indigenous youth programs
ESQ Programs (paid opportunities)
STEMpowered for Black youth
School & Community programs
Grades 7 to 8
3,758 Youth Reached
Inspiring curiosity and confidence in STEM
Women in Engineering
Indigenous youth programs
ESQ Programs (paid opportunities)
STEMpowered for Black youth
School & Community programs
Grades 9 to 12
5,184 Youth Reached
Building the skills to lead and innovate
Women in Engineering
Indigenous youth programs
Volunteer and paid leadership opportunities
STEMpowered for Black youth
School & Community programs
Catalyst Program (paid opportunity)
Current UW Students
1,950 Students Reached
Helping students succeed, connect and belong
Women in Engineering
Mentorship opportunities with clubs and teams
Paid co-op employment opportunities
Engineering Outreach is not only about programs, it is about shaping Canada’s future talent pipeline.
By building confidence early, we strengthen the long-term diversity, and innovation capacity of our engineering workforce.
Actua is a leading Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization. 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. Please visit www.actua.ca.
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien
Thank you to our individual donors, corporate partners, community collaborators, NSERC and Actua for your continued commitment to expanding access to STEM education. Together, we are not only reaching thousands of young people, we are building a more inclusive and innovative future for engineering.