York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering hosted a k2i (kindergarten to industry) academy symposium celebrating students who participated in the academy’s work-integrated learning program called Bringing STEM to Life: Work-Integrated.
The symposium is a culmination of the summer program that offers students entering Grades 10, 11 and 12 the chance to engage in paid research internships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), all while earning an Ontario high-school course credit in Grade 11 university physics or Grade 12 university English.
This year, 120 high-school participants took on the role of lab assistants, working on cutting-edge projects and innovative technologies, like wearable health monitoring devices and space surveillance systems. They were mentored by a team of 45 undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students, as well as k2i academy staff, Lassonde faculty and graduate students. High-school physics and English teachers offered essential guidance and support as well.
The concluding symposium provided students with the chance to present their work, while developing professional skills and mobilizing research to broader communities. From pioneering artificial intelligence tools for medication management to improving the health of forest ecosystems with innovative satellite technologies, the students applied their creativity and budding expertise to tackle real-world challenges. Projects not only showcased students’ technical skills but also highlighted their commitment to creating a more just and sustainable world by addressing UN SDGs.
For the undergraduate students, the Bringing STEM to Life program offers important mentorship and hands-on experience, while potentially inspiring a future generation of changemakers. “Together, we’re creating opportunities for young people to tackle real-world challenges – many of which are being addressed by our own researchers,” says Lassonde Dean Jane Goodyer. “By empowering 45 undergraduate STEM students to work alongside faculty, graduate students and k2i staff, these mentors have not only gained valuable leadership skills but have also inspired 120 ‘lab assistants,’ just a few years younger, to consider the benefits of STEM programs. Connecting students from similar neighbourhoods and backgrounds, many of whom are under-represented in these fields, can create a powerful multiplier effect in driving systemic change.”
An ecosystem of diverse partners is a key component of the Bringing STEM to Life: Work-Integrated Learning program. Among them are the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Toronto District School Board, the York Region District School Board and the Peel District School Board. The program is also supported by funding partners including 407 ETR, Scotiabank, KPM Power and the Carswell Family Foundation.
Those partnerships propel the program’s design to transform student experiences and offer exceptional educational opportunities, particularly for learners from marginalized backgrounds and low-income households. Through this program, the k2i academy strives to engage and inspire students, demonstrating that their potential is limitless.
“The Ministry of Education is proud to be in partnership with the k2i academy to support Bringing STEM to Life," says Giselle Basanta, assistant deputy minister of the Education Equity and Governance Secretariat. "This program bolsters students’ research skills in STEM while providing students from equity-seeking groups the opportunity to be included, to participate and be successful in STEM spaces and in their academic pathways. It is through this type of partnership that we can continue to create spaces for youth to feel uplifted and supported in their educational journey.”
As the k2i academy’s impact grows, it aims to continue equipping young minds with the tools to drive meaningful change in STEM education. The Bringing STEM to Life program is just one of many initiatives that intend to foster the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. To date, the academy has successfully launched numerous initiatives reaching more than 80,000 students, teachers and families through nearly 400,000 hours of programming.