This fall, Humber Polytechnic's Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI) will be opening its doors to welcome a new and younger cohort of future innovators at the newly launched Barrett STEAM Academy.
Fully supported by The Barrett Family Foundation, a strong advocate for inspiring and supporting young people to enter the skilled trades and STEAM field, the 12-week program with a registration fee of only $100, offers a junior session for students in Grades 6 to 8 and a senior session for students in Grades 9 to 12. It empowers high school students to think critically, solve real-world challenges, and build future-ready skills through project-based learning. Students will be challenged to think out-of-the-box from developing code for algorithms to web development. The Academy will conclude with a final prototype design that will be presented at a celebratory showcase.
"By engaging middle and high school students in real-world experiential projects and cutting-edge technologies, the STEAM Academy aims to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills essential for the future workforce," says Neal Mohammed, director, Barrett CTI. "This initiative not only helps students explore and develop their interests in STEAM fields but also creates a clear pathway to pursue advanced education and careers at Humber. Through this program, Barrett CTI is bridging the gap between early education and post-secondary success, ensuring that students are well-prepared and motivated to thrive in tomorrow's innovation-driven economy."
In preparation for the fall launch of the Barrett STEAM Academy, the Centre was able to host a series of six weekly summer day camps introducing Humber's youngest learners to STEAM activities geared specifically for their age.
The Barrett CTI STEAM Pioneers Camp, for children aged eight to 10, introduces 3D modelling and printing, as well as Scratch coding and robotics using LEGO Spike. Throughout the camp, the children grow skills such as problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and leadership through group activities such as building towers, bridges and an "egg-drop challenge" where they invent a protective structure to keep an egg from breaking when dropped from the third floor of the Barrett CTI.
Meanwhile, the Barrett CTI STEAM Innovators camp, for children aged 11 to 14 years old, builds on the creativity and hands-on learning that is associated with technology including mechatronics concepts and using more complex software for 3D modelling and printing.
Both camps include Barrett CTI staff, student mentors as well as mentors from the Toronto District School Board Focus on Youth high school volunteer program.
"What surprised me is how creative the kids are and how they are already familiar with so many variations of technologies," says Rebecca Patterson, STEAM manager, Barrett CTI. "When using the 3D printer, they were able to seamlessly translate their sketches into the 3D modelling software."
Leith Knowles, age eight, says he enjoyed working on the LEGO Spike robots, remarking that "LEGO is my most favourite thing in the world." He also liked creating a tower out of popsicle sticks, noting that he learned how triangles are the strongest shapes to use for building towers and bridges.
Mohammed touts the importance of early STEAM exposure for children and teens.
"It is crucial for young children and teens as it lays the foundation for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential in today's rapidly evolving world," he says.
Mohammed explained how engaging with STEAM concepts at a young age can nurture curiosity and innovation, empowering students to explore how the world works and how they can shape it. It also helps bridge achievement gaps by fostering inclusive, hands-on learning that appeals to diverse interests and learning styles. Early STEAM experiences not only build confidence in tackling complex challenges but also inspires future career paths in high-demand fields, ensuring that the next generation is prepared to lead, adapt, and thrive in a technology-driven future.
Find out more information by visiting the Barrett STEAM Academy website.
