BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Expanding a world of STEAM possibilities for youth

The BCIT Foundation works with donors in exceptional ways.

On November 20, 2024, the Cmolik Foundation partnered with the BCIT Foundation, BCIT School of Health Sciences, and School of Construction and the Environment to provide a unique and inspiring experience for youth. A total of 107 grade five students from Lena Shaw Elementary School in Surrey participated in a full day of hands-on learning activities at the Burnaby Campus as part of the Expanding Horizons field trip.

The annual field trip introduces young learners to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through interactive activities. The Cmolik Foundation, in partnership with BCIT, ensures the next generations are exposed to diverse academic fields and career possibilities early in their education to spark curiosity and broaden their understanding of these fields.

Exploring the world of science, trades, and the environment

This year's itinerary featured engaging activities ranging from testing "space" treats at the food sciences lab to navigating health-related escape rooms and leaning into geospatial mapping through the use of drone technology.

The day began with tons of excitement from the students ready to dive into the world of healthcare at the new Health Sciences Centre. During the morning, the 10-year-old children participated in eight different stations, some of which involved solving health-related challenges to escape lab rooms, learning about the science behind astronauts' ability to enjoy ice cream in space, and role-playing as electroneurophysiologists by using high-tech patient manikins and artificial intelligence glasses to learn how the brain connects to the human body through simulation.

After lunch, the young learners transitioned to the world of construction and the environment. Across four different stations, the grade five students uncovered the hidden uses of minerals in our daily devices to completing a mission of restoring native plants residing alongside Guichon Creek. During the diverse activities, the elementary students learned how small actions can make a significant impact on the environment through their ecological footprint.

From start to finish, the students were fully immersed, collecting stickers to complete their BCIT tour passports and gaining their STEAM adventurer certificates.

Inspiring the next generation of STEAM leaders

The tour aims to inspire young minds discover future opportunities in the STEAM field and helps them explore a world of possibilities.

This is made possible through the generosity of the Cmolik Foundation.  Russ Cmolik, Founder and Chair of the Cmolik Foundation, has been a longtime supporter of BCIT students, supporting graduating awards, academic programs, and the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign.

The Cmolik Foundation values education above all else:

"By exposing students to new experiences and linking the field trips to future career opportunities, we believe this inspires a quest for higher learning and continued education. Many of these students will be the first members of their families to attend a post-secondary institution and pursue a career in STEAM. We're proud to play a role in making this a reality and helping young learners find success."

- Russ Cmolik, Founder and Chair, The Cmolik Foundation

"Designing engaging experiences to inspire students' future career paths is our top priority at the Cmolik Foundation. With BCIT, we're creating extraordinary learning activities that foster creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. Through this experience, students are getting a first-hand look at applied education and STEAM fields. At the end of the day, we want students to walk away thinking, I can see myself doing that.'"

- Dr. Elisa Carlson, Executive Director, The Cmolik Foundation

The BCIT Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Cmolik Foundation for partnering with the Institute to increase access to education. A special thanks to Russ Cmolik, Co-Founder of the Cmolik Foundation, for his partnership and ongoing support of BCIT students. Their support is helping shape students' lives and the future of applied education in BC.

Learn more: https://www.bcit.ca/foundation/giving-to-bcit/