How are we creating equitable opportunities to inspire diverse future STEM innovators?
k2i academy is committed to inspiring more diverse students to consider pursuing a STEM pathway by Bringing STEM to Life!
We achieve this through three programs, in schools, through work-integrated learning and in the community.
Bringing STEM to Life: In Schools
Over the next three years, k2i academy will be working in partnership with K-12 school boards to co-design and co-deliver science programming connected to the Ontario curriculum within secondary schools. These programs will focus on reaching communities of need and prioritize equitable outcomes for underrepresented students in STEM.
Starting with grades 9 and 10 science, we are working collaboratively with classroom teachers to develop programming that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on themes such as ecosystems and climate change, and the application of science and mathematics to solve real-world problems.
k2i academy is also committed to redefining teacher professional learning and K-12 education leadership development in STEM. Experiences range from work-integrated learning opportunities to teachers, practicum experiences for teacher candidates and collaborations with professional subject associations.
Funded by: NSERC PromoScience
In the next three years, our In School programs will reach 375 high school teachers and 11,000 students.
Bringing STEM to Life: Work-Integrated Learning
k2i academy’s Work-Integrated Learning Programs have been designed to provide opportunities for underrepresented students entering grades 10, 11 and 12 to participate in a paid summer research project experience aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while working towards an Ontario high school course credit.
Designed in partnership with Toronto District School Board, York Region District School Board, and Peel District School Board, students are hired as High School Lab Assistants working closely with a k2i academy team of undergraduate mentors, Lassonde research faculty advisors, and high school physics and cooperative education teachers. Students from marginalized communities, including Black and Indigenous youth, students from low-income communities and girls were invited to participate. Students received 140 hours of paid work and 175 hours of learning, learning and applying physics concepts through project-based learning, developing new skills in computational thinking and coding, and experiencing engineering design.
89% Grade 11U Physics course median
92% Grade 12C Physics course median
100% Obtained physics credit
Funded by: Carswell Family Foundation, KPM Power, Scotiabank, and the Ontario Ministry of Education
Sponsored by: Kandao Technologies
Bringing STEM to Life: Community
Youth and their families are at the heart of our STEM community programs. Whether you are nurturing your students’ love of science, technology, engineering or math, or want to introduce coding and robotics concepts, k2i academy has programs for you!
Our community programs include:
- Hackathons
- Webinars
- After-school programs
- Community events
Follow us on social media to stay up to date about upcoming programs and events or email us at k2i@lassonde.yorku.ca to be added to our mailing list.
