For the second year in a row, Concordia's Youth Engagement Office (YEO) will receive funding from Actua, one of Canada's leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organizations.
The funding will be used to support youth engagement activities across the university's faculties and departments.
The YEO was formed in May 2024 to support the diverse range of youth engagement initiatives happening across Concordia. The office works to develop and source external funding for these initiatives in collaboration with faculties, departments and units across the institution, as well as external partners such as Actua.
In its first year of funding in 2025, the YEO received $139,000 from Actua to support a number of initiatives. These included the Concordia Science and Engineering Summer Camp, GirlSET and STEM Squad programs managed by the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science and the Finding Urban Nature youth engagement program managed by the Science College.
In 2026, Concordia is set to receive $110,000 in Actua funding. This will support existing youth programs and additional initiatives focused on equity-based youth outreach and engaging young people who are typically underrepresented in STEM fields.
Helping youth build critical skills
Youth Engagement Coordinator Ana Milic (MA 25) says she welcomes the funding news.
"The support from Actua allows us to continue offering and enhancing programs for youth in Montreal and Quebec through workshops, camps, clubs and special events and to create pathways for young people to connect with STEM in meaningful ways," she says. "Building enthusiasm for STEM in ways that are culturally responsive, relevant and accessible is central to both our and Actua's mission."
Specialized programs for youth underrepresented in STEM
The YEO joined Actua's national network last year.
"Concordia's Youth Engagement Office further strengthens our national network of over 40 universities and colleges, all dedicated to building critical STEM skills in youth," says Jennifer Flanagan, Actua co-founder and CEO.
"Together, we will amplify our collective impact in Montreal, ensuring more youth are ready to develop the skills needed for their future success and become the innovative leaders of the future."
The Actua network engages 500,000 youth from over 600 communities across Canada in transformational STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. The organization engages equity-deserving youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, youth facing economic barriers and youth living in Northern and remote communities.
Initiatives already in place across Concordia
Milic was brought in to help launch the YEO in May 2024.
"When I stepped into this role, I entered a context in which the Provost's Office, the Office of Student Recruitment and University Advancement had recognized the need to support and leverage the diverse youth engagement initiatives across Concordia and better demonstrate and enhance their collective impact across faculties," she explains.
"One of the greatest wins has been learning about the incredible work already happening across the university and creating opportunities for synergy," she adds. "It's been exciting to see how we're creating real potential for inclusive, strategic, and sustainable youth engagement."
Milic has an extensive background in community engagement initiatives and in supporting non-traditional and diverse learners across academic and community settings. She holds a bachelor's degree in education, and a master's in social sciences from Concordia.
