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
k2i academy works with K-12 school boards to co-design and co-deliver STEM programs integrated with Ontario curriculum. Curriculum connected learning in STEM skills including engineering design, computational thinking and coding, electronics, 3D design, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital literacy. k2i programs focus on access and opportunity, reaching communities of need and achieving equitable outcomes for underrepresented students in STEM.
We work alongside teachers to develop programming that aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals on themes that engages youth such as the environment, climate action, poverty, and sustainability.
k2i is committed to strengthening the teaching workforce with the critical STEM skills needed. Transforming teacher professional learning programs and expanding current models for teacher training will enable more access and opportunity for youth. Building capacity alongside school boards mobilizes access and opportunity for all youth!
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 k2i staff, k2i undergraduate STEM mentors, Lassonde research faculty advisors, industry collaborators, and high school teachers. Working in collaboration with partnering school boards, students who have opted out of STEM pathways are invited to participate with access and opportunity extended to underrepresented students in STEM including girls, Black youth, Indigenous youth and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Students work full time in 120 hours of paid work and 120 hours of learning, developing new skills in computational thinking and coding, and experiencing engineering design.
91% Grade 11U Physics course median
92% Grade 12C Physics course median
93% Grade 12U English course median
100% Obtained credit
Since June 2020, k2i has employed 525 high school lab assistants, 175 undergraduate STEM mentors.
Funded by: Funded by: Ontario Ministry of Education, Carswell Family Foundation, KPM Power, 407ETR, and Scotiabank
Bringing STEM to Life: Community
Youth and their families are at the heart of our STEM community programs. We believe in strengthen our relationship with community organizations to do this work!
Our community programs include:
- Hackathons
- Robotics programs
- Webinars
- After-school programs
- Library 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.
