As the year draws to a close, we are reminded of the transformative role our funding partners play in strengthening STEM education across our communities. On behalf of the Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, we extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations whose support has fueled this impactful work, particularly through Connections Engineering Outreach (Connections) programs and Black Youth in STEM (BYiS) initiatives.
Expanding STEM Access Through Actua Partnerships
Actua’s sustained investment has been central to Smith Engineering Outreach’s ability to deliver inclusive, high-quality STEM programming to thousands of young learners each year. Their support enabled a diverse suite of experiential initiatives—ranging from Indigenous, All-Girls, and Black Youth programs to Go Where Kids Are (GWKA), General Programs, and Teacher Education—to meet youth where they are and ensure equitable access to meaningful STEM opportunities.
Through Actua’s national network, Connections expanded its presence across schools, libraries, and community spaces. The Tech ’N’ Tinker Mobile Classroom continued to play a vital role by bringing hands-on STEM learning directly to rural and underserved regions, reducing barriers and expanding engagement.
This year saw significant growth in programs focused on Digital Skills, AI in STEM, Cybersecurity, Advanced Manufacturing, and our annual Digital Agriculture initiatives. These experiences allowed youth to explore real-world technologies that are shaping Canada’s evolving engineering and technology landscape.
Actua funding also strengthened educator capacity through the Educator Professional Learning Program, equipping pre-service and in-service teachers with practical tools to integrate AI-enabled technologies, engineering design, and digital literacy. This training also emphasized culturally responsive STEM approaches that better support Black and other racialized students. Actua’s partnership has allowed Smith Engineering Outreach to deepen its impact and meaningfully contribute to the national mission of helping all young people thrive in the STEM ecosystem.
Advancing Innovation Through Embark-Supported Initiatives
The Embark Student Foundation’s investment played a pivotal role in expanding access to innovative STEM learning across Connections and Black Youth in STEM programs this year. Their support enabled outreach efforts to reach K-12 learners, teachers-in-training, and student-instructors across Kingston, the Greater Toronto Area, and surrounding regions.
Embark funding supported key advancements in program design and delivery. This included integrating emerging technologies such as AI and robotics through the acquisition of HuskyLens sensors—used for facial recognition and object classification—and the development of a 3D-printed autonomous vehicle platform designed to teach machine vision, machine learning, and foundational mechanical systems. These hands-on experiences allowed learners to engage directly with technologies that define modern engineering practice.
Embark’s support also expanded BYiS workshops in AI, robotics, environmental engineering, and climate-focused STEM, while investments in robotics kits, tablets, and branded materials enhanced the quality and consistency of program delivery.
Equally important, Embark’s funding contributed to capacity building across the outreach team. By supporting training and development for instructors and technical staff, Embark helped ensure sustained, high-quality learning experiences and strengthened the mentorship available to youth participants.
Through these contributions, Embark has provided the resources needed to deliver meaningful, culturally responsive, and future-focused STEM education. Their commitment to expanding educational opportunity aligns closely with Smith Engineering’s values and our shared vision of a more inclusive and innovative STEM ecosystem.
Early Engagement and Robotics with the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area
We recognize the generous support from the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area (CFKA) for their vital role in enhancing our local programs. CFKA provided the resources necessary to engage our youngest learners, kindergarteners, with foundational science and engineering concepts.
Their funding also made a direct impact on our innovative robotics curriculum by supplying some of the robots used to teach autonomous vehicle technology at the Grades 5 to 12 level. This contribution ensures that students in our local community have early exposure to advanced engineering concepts and the opportunity to build confidence in technical skills.
Advancing Outreach for Racialized Youth Through the Honda Foundation
We are grateful for the contribution from the Honda Foundation, which significantly advanced our efforts to further STEM outreach for Black and other racialized children and youth. Their commitment is critical in ensuring that Smith Engineering can continue to develop and deliver programming that is culturally responsive and directly addresses the need for greater equity in engineering and technology pathways. This support enhances our ability to provide focused, high-impact learning experiences through initiatives like BYiS, helping to cultivate the next generation of diverse Canadian innovators.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for a new year of outreach and innovation, we remain deeply grateful for the trust and support of our funders. Their collective contributions have opened doors for young people, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced equity in STEM education across Eastern Ontario and beyond. Connections and BYiS are excited to build on this momentum—continuing to empower youth, support educators, and expand meaningful pathways into STEM.