AURORA COLLEGE
College Receives $140,000 to Enhance STEM Outreach Across the Northwest Territories

Aurora College's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Outreach program received a $140,000 contribution from Actua to support and expand STEM programming and outreach activities across the Northwest Territories.

The STEM Outreach Program, led by the Aurora Research Institute (ARI), will also use the funding to add an Outreach Technician to the team in Inuvik. The new role, filled by an early-career Northerner, will foster opportunities for local engagement and community-led STEM initiatives.

The Actua funding will help Aurora College reach more than 6,000 youth and 100 educators in 20 communities through events, classroom activities and STEM professional development sessions for teachers. In addition to classroom-based activities, the STEM Outreach team offers accessible, year-round STEM engagement through partnerships with local community groups and initiatives, such as the Inuvik Coding and Robotics Club, the Fort Smith TinkerLab and land-based programming.

This STEM outreach underscores Aurora College's commitment to cultivating a vibrant, inclusive STEM culture throughout the Northwest Territories. By building on partnerships and prioritizing local engagement, Aurora College continues to inspire young people to explore STEM fields, fostering skills and confidence that will empower them to pursue science and technology careers in their home communities.

Quote:

"With this support from Actua, Aurora College is able to bring STEM education to life for young people, fostering curiosity, resilience, and pride in their abilities. This funding is a deep investment in Northern communities, helping Indigenous youth see a future for themselves in science and technology, right here in the Northwest Territories."

Dr. Chris Paci, Vice President Research, Aurora College

Quick facts:

• The STEM Outreach Program will reach an estimated 6,000 youth across 20 communities.
• The program includes sciences, coding, robotics, teacher STEM professional development, and hands-on demonstrations.
• The program will involve partnerships with local organizations such as the Boreal Berry Patch Collective, support for land-based camps, and others, providing rich, community-based STEM education.