Youth Engagement

STEM is your superpower

SCWIST’s national pathway programs develop girls, gender-diverse and equity-deserving youth as STEM learners and future STEM leaders.

Two pathways. One goal: STEM belongs to every young person.

Quantum Leaps introduces young people to STEM concepts, role models, post-secondary pathways and career possibilities. STEM Explore provides hands-on, accessible STEM workshops and community-learning opportunities for youth through schools, community organizations, partners and virtual delivery.

High school students

Quantum Leaps

Quantum Leaps introduces young people to STEM concepts, role models, post-secondary pathways and career possibilities. High school students across Canada with a passion for science, technology, engineering, math or the skilled trades are matched with an experienced mentor based on their personal interests — someone who supports them in exploring diverse career paths, developing essential skills, and turning their own ideas into impactful STEM projects.

With guidance from a mentor and the backing of SCWIST’s national network, students build the confidence to pursue their goals and shape their future in STEM.

What you’ll experience

  • Personalized mentorship Weekly written prompts spark 1:1 discussion with your mentor, plus monthly virtual meetings and ongoing support from the SCWIST Youth Engagement team.
  • Project development Build your own STEM project from concept to completion, with the opportunity to apply for SCWIST funding to bring it to life.
  • Workshops & skill building Leadership and ideation workshops build the real-world skills behind every strong project.
    Financial literacy Grant writing Project management Leadership
  • Career exploration Discover a wide range of educational and career pathways across STEM and the skilled trades.

Good to know

  • No cost to schools Workshops and all student materials are provided free of charge.
  • In class or remote Delivered directly in your classroom or virtually, wherever your students are.
  • Curriculum-aligned Each workshop is built to connect with your province’s science curriculum.
  • Facilitated by STEM volunteers Workshops are led by SCWIST volunteers working in STEM fields today.
Teachers — in class or remote

STEM Explore

STEM Explore provides hands-on, accessible STEM workshops and community-learning opportunities for youth through schools, community organizations, partners and virtual delivery. Forget equations on a whiteboard — students get to be hands-on and create a scientific wonder while learning the science behind it.

Each workshop is developed in line with provincial curriculum, and all materials for students are provided at no cost.

The Power of OobleckGr. K–8

Explore states of matter by making and interacting with a non-Newtonian fluid.

How to Create a PeriscopeGr. 1–8

Learn the laws of reflection and build a working periscope from mirrors and pre-designed paper.

Create a Dazzling LED CardGr. 4–8

Learn about circuits, conductivity and electricity while making a greeting card that lights up.

Bring your STEM career into the classroom

SCWIST’s Youth Engagement programs run on the time and expertise of STEM professionals who mentor students through Quantum Leaps and facilitate STEM Explore workshops. If you work in STEM and want to help shape the next generation, we’d love to hear from you.

Choose your pathway

However you connect with Youth Engagement, here’s where to start.

High school students

Quantum Leaps

Apply to be matched with a STEM mentor and bring your own project to life.

Apply now
Teachers — in class or remote

STEM Explore

Book a free, curriculum-aligned STEM workshop for your class.

Book your workshop
STEM professionals

Volunteer

Apply to volunteer with SCWIST’s Youth Engagement programs.

Apply to volunteer