The Aurora College Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Outreach program in Fort Smith has just been given a donation of $140,000 from Actua to help expand their STEM programs.
This funding will also be used by the Aurora Research Institute to introduce an Outreach Technician to the Inuvik team. It is expected that this funding will help the college to connect with an estimated 6,000 youths, 100 educators, and 20 different communities. This will be accomplished through various events, classroom engagements, and other STEM education sessions for teachers.
For some time now, one of Aurora College’s top priorities has been to cultivate a welcoming culture to those who wish to pursue careers in STEM fields in the Northwest Territories.
Dr. Chris Paci, the Vice President of Research with Aurora College, said in a statement that with the donation 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.”
This program will be working with local organizations the Boreal Berry Patch Collective, support for land-based camps, and others, providing rich, community-based STEM education.
