6 Inspiring Women Share their Advice for Girls and Young Women in STEM
On International Women’s Day, we want to recognize some of the SHEroes who have been breaking down barriers and paving the way for young women and girls in STEM for years.
How We Can #ChooseToChallenge Gender Inequality in STEM this International Women’s Day and Beyond
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and highlighted an array of underlying weaknesses in Canada's economy. Many business leaders say that technology holds the key to an innovative recovery. But, while technology may play a critical role in our post-pandemic world, there remains a significant problem threatening the potential of its workforce - the persistent and widening gender gap.
Celebrating STEM programs paving the way for Black Youth in Canada
What is Girl-Led Content and Why Does it Matter?
For far too long, women and girls have been underrepresented in STEM. Only one in four computer science undergrads in Canada identify as female. This underrepresentation means computer science — and society-at-large — risks losing women’s perspectives and contributions. So, how do we inspire more girls and young women to fulfill a critical role in STEM?
5 resources to help parents and educators keep kids safe online
Youth have been online more than ever due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. This has forced youth to learn, socialize and connect from within the confines of their home. But how to keep them safe online?
Actua Celebrates Black History Month – A Message from the CEO
This month, Actua joins Canadians across the country celebrating Black History Month. On behalf of everyone at Actua, I would like to recognize the many contributions and achievements Black Canadians have made throughout our history and across our country to advance innovation in STEM.
Indigenous people have always known about STEM
Today, on National Indigenous People’s Day, I’m happy to have Doug Dokis, Director of Actua’s National Indigenous Youth in STEM program share his first hand account of the tremendous growth and impact that Actua’s InSTEM program has had across Canada.
This pandemic could be Canada’s defining innovation opportunity — if we seize it
COVID-19 is everything right now, but what will happen when it isn’t? What will our country look like on the other side? While so much of this pandemic is outside of our control, we have a unique opportunity to decide what happens next
COVID-19: What to do at home with your kids during school closures and self-isolation
Actua has put together a list of fun and engaging at-home STEM activities to do with kids during school and daycare closures
Youth Spotlight: Ethan Boyer
In April 2019, the Future Skills Centre announced support for Actua’s Indigenous Youth in STEM for-credit programs in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern Alberta. This program is also supported by our corporate sector partners Suncor Energy Foundation and Imperial. I had the pleasure of hearing from participants Jordan Zenhenko and Ethan Boyer (post to come), about their experiences.
Youth Spotlight: Jordan Zenhenko
In April 2019, the Future Skills Centre announced support for Actua’s Indigenous Youth in STEM for-credit programs in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern Alberta. This program is also supported by our corporate sector partners Suncor Energy Foundation and Imperial. I had the pleasure of hearing from participants Jordan Zenhenko and Ethan Boyer (post to come), about their experiences.
Bringing AI into the Classroom
Youth Spotlight: Riya Mehta
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Riya Mehta at Move the Dial Global Summit in Toronto, Ontario. I was absolutely blown away by everything she is doing in STEM at the young age of 16. While her experience is unique, she is a great example of how youth truly are today’s leaders of innovation, and as she attests, “age is just a number.”
Everyone Has a Stake in the Future of Work
Last week I was invited to speak on a panel at RBC’s annual investor forum where they provide their clients with thought provoking information about current issues and trends that influence their businesses. This year’s theme was Resiliency in Times
International Women’s Day 2019 – #BalanceforBetter
In the lead up to International Woman’s Day 2019, I invited Actua’s Youth Council for a casual dinner and meaningful conversation. Together we shared personal stories and thoughts related to International Women’s Day with the goal of shining light o
Coding the Future II: How income affects digital skills and opportunities
In this second briefing on our Coding the Future survey, we take a closer look at the impact of household income on coding and digital technology attitudes and opportunities. The results are discouraging. While young Canadians’ interest in coding and
Actua’s Coding the Future Survey
Results from Actua's survey Coding the Future: What Canadian youth and their parents thinking about coding
Safer Internet Day: Tips for how to keep your kids safe online
Here are some of the best tricks and tips for parents to help keep your kids safe online!
Actua Receives $10 Million in Government of Canada CanCode Program Funding
Today the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development announced that Actua will receive $10 million in funding from the Government of Canada’s new CanCode program.
#ClaimYourPlace Call to Action
On International Day of the Girl I can’t help but get excited about the overwhelming number of positive messages on social media using #dayofthegirl, as well as the Government of Canada, Status of Women-led campaign #ClaimYourPlace. It is incredibly
Citizen Science on Canada C3
A Canada 150 Signature project, CanadaC3 is a 150 expedition from Toronto to Victoria via the Northwest Passage. Tracy Ross is on board Leg 4 of CanadaC3 representing Actua, Canada’s largest STEM outreach organization.
National Indigenous Peoples Day – An Actua Instructor’s Perspective
Today is National Indigenous People’s Day, and this year, more than ever, we reflect on our work and how we are doing as an organization truly committed to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on education for Indigenous you
Engaging Canada’s Northern Teachers in STEM and Digital Literacy
This years’ Kivalliq Teacher’s Conference was hosted at Maani Ulujuk High School where Actua’s Outreach team engaged K-12 teachers in STEM & digital literacy content inspired by the local community.
Early Numeracy is Essential for Canada’s Innovation Future
We hear it from youth all the time, “math is hard” or worse “I hate math.” These feelings toward math have contributed to youth disengagement in numeracy and usually arise from intimidation. This intimidation is largely due to that fact that the vast
Investing in foreign talent shows short-term promise – investing in youth means long-term prosperity
The Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth, created to bring fresh ideas on how to grow Canada’s economy in the long term, has come out with its first report. With it comes an important national discussion on where Canada is inves
The Future of Innovation is Here and They Are Bright
I have heard the young voices of STEM in Canada and their words are clear and impressive. Recently, Actua facilitated a roundtable event at Shaw Communications’ Corporate office in Ottawa to help inform the federal government on why youth and Canada’
Encouraging girls to do math and the myth of the ‘math person’
Hello, my name is Vanessa! I am the founder and director of The Math Guru, a boutique math and science tutoring studio in Toronto which I started almost five years ago. My goal? To make everyone finally understand that the only thing standing in thei
Statement by Actua’s Board of Directors on National Aboriginal Day
Today, on National Aboriginal Day, the Actua Board of Directors affirms its support and commitment to the “call to actions” outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
Actua’s Response to the Government of Canada’s Announcement on the Pillars of the Innovation Agenda
Today the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development with the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, and the the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, announced six areas f
Guest Blog – Science on Ice: A Week of Workshops in Igloolik
Actua goes to great lengths to bring hands-on science and technology experiences to all Canadian youth and this spring I was lucky enough to travel to Igloolik, Nunavut to do just that. I’ve been to every Canadian province but this was my first time
Code on the Hill – A Science Odyssey Event with the Minister of Science
This week, The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, partnered with Actua, its network member at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering, Ladies Learning Code, and Google to present Code on the Hill
Jane Goodall in Ottawa
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall
Budget 2016: A Promising Step Towards a More Innovative Canada
The Liberal government’s first budget was tabled yesterday, and it came with a clear message: In Budget 2016 the government is defining a new vision for Canada’s economy: to build Canada as a centre of global innovation.
Minister of Canadian Heritage announces Actua as part of Innovation 150 Signature Initiative
Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced that Actua will be one of four organizations receiving a significant grant to support an unprecendented national innovation tour in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
#BecauseIts2016 – Canada’s Need for Gender Parity in STEM
International Women's Day - A message from Actua, CEO Jennifer Flanagan
Actua’s Codemakers Gifts
After the amazing success of our first annual STEM gift guide last year, we decided to focus this year's guide on technology gifts.
What is digital literacy and why is it important for Canadian youth?
Youth in Canada are incredibly enthusiastic when it comes to using new technology. Their day-to-day engagement seems natural and effortless, leading many to believe that youth are experts in all things digital; that they embody the term...
How My Daughter’s Computer Camp Served Me Humble Pi – Guest Blog from Chloe Girvan of YummyMummyClub
What I learned from my daughter's week at computer camp. It turns out kids aren’t the only ones who have something to learn from summer day camp. Please sit back and get comfortable so that I can throw myself under the bus for your reading pleasure.
#Elxn2015 Support for Canada’s Future Leaders in STEM
Summer is an important time in Canada. It’s those two to three precious months we Canadians have to book off time to be outdoors, at cottages, travelling, spending time with the kids while out of school, and our friends on a patio.
The Faces of Actua’s Outreach Team
There are many times I’m reminded of how meaningful it is to work at Actua, but today was special. Today I had the opportunity to spend time with the people who directly inspire youth through Actua’s programming; our Outreach Team Instructors.