Supporting girls through their exploration of science interest

I just saw Verizon's ad last night. If you haven't, check it out:

( from last night until this morning a few more 100,000's views were added!!!!)


The message is clear. Our words have an impact on our daughters' choices. It shapes the way the perceive themselves, the way they navigate themselves through life.
We should all do our best to nurture the interest of our children (both girls AND boys). To listen to them, to support them in their quest for learning.

A report published earlier this year also looked at the factors that shape girls' attitude towards STEM careers. Their main conclusion was that "the only effective means of increasing the likelihood for girls to consider STEM careers is by engaging them in highly active STEM activities"

http://www.wiseatlantic.ca/pdf/WISEatlantic%20Executive%20Report%20-%20January%202014.pdf

Let us nurture dreams, not suppress them.
Not all girls are interested in STEM subject, same as not all boys are.
But for the ones that are, we should not discourage them.

STEM outreach opportunities

Let's assume you are a scientist in Ontario, Canada.
Let's also assume that you think/believe/feel/know that STEM outreach is important and you wish to do something about.

What should you do? Where shall you go? Whom can you work/volunteer with?

If you're looking the answers to any of the questions above, I hope the list below can help you find some opportunities for some great outreaching. The list is in no particular order, and I can't say I have any specific recommendation (disclosure: I am currently engaged with a non-profit but I did try to create an objective complication of STEM outreach organizations)

The list is far from being complete, and will grow with time.
If you know of a STEM outreach organization, send me a message and share with me so I can share it back by adding it to the list.


Academic institutions:
(needles to say that universities are at a perfect position to offer such opporunities)

UofT Engineering Outreach
University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering's Outreach program offers many opportunities for both boys and girls, young and old (by old I mean high school).
http://www.outreach.engineering.utoronto.ca/Page4.aspx

University of Waterloo Engineering Science Quest
Started more than 20 years ago, this program has evolved to include camps and school visits.
https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering-science-quest/

Western University's Faculty of Engineering Outreach
Summer camps for the younger kids, summer academy for the older ones and dedicated girl clubs.
http://www.eng.uwo.ca/comms/outreach.htm

McMaster University's Engineering Outreach program
Offering summer camps for children, aboriginal outreach programs and more
http://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engalumni/outreach.html

There are actually so many universities and colleges across Canada which offer STEM outreach programs that it would be a very long list.
Luckily, Acuta http://www.actua.ca is a charity organization whose members are post-secondary institutions which deliver STEM outreach programs.

Charities/ Non-profits
There are many private organizations, some charitable some non-profits, some working locally in specific communities, some all across Ontario and even across Canada.

Let's Talk Science
A national charity working for just over 20 years all across Canada engaging students and education in STEM programs.
http://www.letstalkscience.ca/

Youth Science Ontario
A non-profit which supports community-based regional science organizations. 
http://www.youthscienceontario.ca/

Scientists In Schools
A charity working for 25 years in Ontario and Alberta, providing STEM hands-on progrmas
http://www.scientistsinschool.ca/

Science Rendezvous
A national annual science festival that takes science out of the lab and into the street.
http://www.sciencerendezvous.ca

Pueblo Science
A non-profit providing science summer camp and outreach events to promote STEM learning.
http://puebloscience.org/