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Research and Evaluation

We have our ear to the ground on all research that may affect the development and delivery of our unique and tailored programming. To this end, we continue to collaborate with our members at academic institutions, our funders from a broad spectrum of public agencies and private companies and other leaders in STEM program delivery.

To ensure our programs continue to be relevant and make the most impact, we commit to continuous assessments of our initiatives. We conduct comprehensive annual evaluations and in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of our programming.

A three-year evaluation of our programming, conducted by Dr. Gail Crombie of the University of Ottawa  provided empirical evidence of the positive impact of our programs. As a result of her research involving pre and post camp surveys of thousands of youth participants, Dr. Crombie concluded that Actua’s programs create positive and significant changes in the attitudes and behaviour of young Canadians toward science and engineering.  

Participant survey results demonstrate, as a result of their camp experience:

83% felt that they were more confident in their ability to do science, engineering and technology;

84% stated that their enjoyment of science, engineering and technology had increased;

81% stated that their knowledge of science, engineering and technology had increased;

84% felt that they would do better in science, engineering and technology at school;

75% stated that they were more likely to take optional science in high school; and

74% stated that they were more likely to study science in university.