Transformational experiences spark youth interest in engineering careers

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This spring, students at Nakasuk Elementary School in Iqaluit were taught basic coding skills, which they then used to record and remix traditional throat singing to create new music. It's a perfect example of the work done by Actua, a national non-profit that provides science and engineering enrichment opportunities to youth, with a focus on Aboriginals, girls, underprivileged youth and those living in remote and inner-city communities.

The pilot project in Iqaluit is part of Actua's new Codemakers program – launched this year with $1.5-million in support from Google – to get students engaged in computer engineering.

"Codemakers is about building those digital skills that are so vital for all science, technology, engineering and math fields," says Jennifer Flanagan, president and CEO of Actua. "What is so transformational is that the kids are not just playing with computers and consuming technology, they are becoming producers and innovators as they code their own applications and use software to create music."

Ms. Flanagan argues that it's critically important to offer opportunities like this to groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in science and engineering. She says some of the fastest-growing fields are underpinned by engineering and that we will only be able to reach our full innovation potential as a country when women, Aboriginals and other historically underrepresented groups participate more fully in engineering and technology professions.

Actua works to achieve these goals through Codemakers and other innovative initiatives that are community based and culturally relevant. Its National Aboriginal Outreach Program, for example, incorporates traditional Aboriginal knowledge into science and technology camps offered in Canada's Aboriginal communities.

Up to 1,000 undergraduates from engineering and science programs are hired by Actua's network member organizations to deliver the programs. These undergrads receive support and training to prepare them to offer hands-on workshops in thousands of schools in May and June before travelling to hundreds of remote communities – many of them Aboriginal – to run technology-based programs over the summer.

"Over 40 per cent of our own outreach instructors who travel throughout Nunavut, northern Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador are Aboriginal," says Ms. Flanagan. "That's a big part of why our model and approach works so well. These students are so passionate about sharing their enthusiasm for science and engineering and being role models to younger students."

This year alone, Actua and its network members will reach 30,000 Aboriginal youth in 200 communities.

Ms. Flanagan emphasizes that improving representation of girls, Aboriginals and underrepresented youth in engineering and technology professions requires a multi-sectoral approach. "As a charity acting alone, Actua cannot effect change. But by working with universities and colleges, with our corporate partners like Google, Suncor and GE, and with all levels of government, we are creating a web of support and opening opportunities. That's what's needed to make sure kids are exposed to these areas at an early age, maintain their motivation in high school and are well supported through university and in their early career."

This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.