The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering Outreach program STEMpowered provides Black youth with opportunities to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities to inspire their interest in exploring further studies and careers in STEM.
In just one year, the program has increased its reach by 680 per cent.
Waterloo Engineering Outreach created STEMpowered in partnership with the Caribbean Association of Waterloo Region and BrainSTEM Alliance and launched in 2022 with funding from Scotiabank. There were 101 participants that first year. In 2023, 780 Black youth in grades K-6, 7-8 and 9-12 participated in various initiatives over the March school break and the summer holidays.
The program’s fast growth is testament to its importance; encouraging young Black people to see themselves as future STEM professionals and thus, increase Black representation in STEM fields. It is supported by a community of partners which now includes the Ethiopian Association of Kitchener-Waterloo, NIROW (Nigerians in Waterloo Region) and the Peel District School Board as well as funding from donors.
A supporter from the start, the Yves and Cynthia Bled Future Achievers Foundation is committed to assisting women, Black and Indigenous youth in pursuing post-secondary education.
“There is a serious lack of Black representation in post-secondary education – particularly in the STEM fields,” says Claudette Bled, a social worker and co-administrator of the Yves and Cynthia Bled Future Achievers Foundation. “STEMpowered has our support for creating the space and opportunities for Black youth in grades K-12 to become aware of what is possible, feel inspired by their future prospects and pursue further studies.”
Go to Empowering Black youth to pursue STEM for the full story.