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  • Engineering Outreach at Western University receives $201,500 in funding from Actua to support youth STEM programs

Engineering Outreach at Western University receives $201,500 in funding from Actua to support youth STEM programs

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Today, Engineering Outreach at Western University announced $201,500 in funding from Actua, one of Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organizations. As part of Actua’s national network, Western Engineering Outreach engages youth through STEM workshops, camps, clubs and special events to equip youth with the skills and confidence for Canada’s future workforce. This funding represents Actua’s continued commitment to expanding the reach and impact of STEM engagement across the region.

The Actua network includes over 40 colleges and universities across the country, providing STEM learning opportunities for youth while breaking down barriers to access. Western Engineering Outreach has been a member of the Actua network since 1993.

Through specialized programming, Western Engineering Outreach engages diverse youth, including Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, youth facing socio-economic challenges and youth from other equity-deserving communities in programs that build essential employability skills and confidence.

Actua deeply values its esteemed industry partners, whose long-term investment remains essential to our collective mission to equip and inspire youth to lead Canada’s future science and innovation economy.

“As STEM and digital skills become increasingly critical to Canada’s growing economy, Engineering Outreach at Western University plays a critical role in equipping all youth with the tools they need to succeed. Through accessible, hands-on programming, they are empowering young people to build confidence, develop critical skills and see themselves in the careers shaping the future,” said Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue to reach members of our community through programs for girls, Black youth and Indigenous youth as well as grow our programming for Youth with Disabilities thanks to this support,” said Lauren Hollis, manager of Western Engineering Outreach.

Funding is only one part of the support that Actua provides to Western Engineering Outreach. In addition to significant investments such as the one announced today, Actua provides day-to-day support, training, professional development and best-practice resources in STEM outreach.

Actua is creating a Canada where every child has the skills and confidence they need to achieve their full potential. As a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach organization, Actua includes over 40 universities and colleges, engaging 500,000 youth in 600 communities each year.

For 25 years, Actua has focused on identifying and removing the barriers for entry into STEM and now has national programs dedicated to engaging Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, youth with disabilities, those facing economic barriers and youth in Northern and remote communities.

Actua’s work is made possible thanks to the support of its major funding partners, including the Government of Canada, Deciem, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD Bank Group, Microsoft Elevate, Toyota Canada Foundation, CIBC Foundation, Enbridge, Cenovus, Imperial, Rideau Hall Foundation and RBC Foundation. For more information, visit actua.ca.