Youth STEM addresses the labour needs of tomorrow by encouraging the development of the next generation of Scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Mathematicians (STEM) required to build excellence in Ontario’s knowledge-based economy.
The initiative will encourage more young people to pursue meaningful STEM careers and will build the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and problem solvers. The initiative will encourage a focused and coordinated approach to STEM outreach by organizations with established track records and significant impact and scope in STEM promotion.
The Youth STEM will provide funding to eligible not-for-profit organizations currently delivering related outreach programs in southern Ontario that encourage children and youth to enroll in STEM studies.
Youth STEM aims to:
- Encourage more young people to pursue education and careers in STEM,
- Develop a STEM talent pool, and
- Improve young people’s understanding of the business of science.
Eligible recipients under this initiative will be not-for-profit corporations with established track records and currently providing STEM outreach programs in Ontario that encourage children and youth from kindergarten to Grade 12 to pursue STEM education and careers.
The initiative will support eligible not-for-profit corporations to undertake activities that promote STEM interest among children and youth. These activities may include:
- Development, enhancement and delivery of STEM learning activities (e.g., workshops, demonstrations, science fairs, competitions, mentorships, enrichment programs or camps and early learning activities);
- Collaborative activities with other major players in STEM outreach with the aim of coordinating and focusing efforts and broadening the impact of existing programs in Ontario;
- Other activities to broaden the impact and reach of programs in Ontario.
Under the initiative, eligible recipients may receive multi-year non-repayable contributions. Normally, project contributions will be supported up to $2 million over four years.
The Youth STEM program is an ongoing intake.
How to Apply
The following instructions are to assist you in filling out your application for funding under the Youth STEM Initiative. Please refer to the Initiative Guidelines to ensure your project is eligible.
- Open the Youth STEM Initiative application form (PDF, 291 KB, 4 pages) and select “Save As” at the top of the form. This will download the form to your local computer and allow you to save information as you complete it. Save your work often as you are completing the form.
- Download and complete an Applicant Declaration on Lobbying.
- Prepare all supporting documents as described in the Application Checklist.
- Attach the Applicant Declaration on Lobbying and all supporting documents to your application form by selecting the “To add attachments” button at the top of the form.
- Once your application package is complete, make sure you are connected to the Internet and then select the “Submit” button on the last page to send your application form and supporting documents to FedDev Ontario.
- Once your application package is received by FedDev Ontario the following notification will be displayed on your screen: “Your form has been successfully submitted to FedDev Ontario.”
- Please save and print a copy of the application package and the confirmation message for your records.
- Please print and sign the application form and mail the original copy to FedDev Ontario within 10 business days of submitting your online application:
Youth STEM Initiative
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
101 Frederick Street, Suite 702
Kitchener, Ontario
N2H 6R2
Should you require the application form or supporting documents in an alternate format, please email FedDev Ontario or call 1-866-593-5505.