InStem: Indigenous Youth in Stem. I came across this program a while back when I was researching Women in Stem opportunities and organizations. I quickly realized that if women are being challenged with finding opportunities in STEM careers, that Indigenous Women are probably having an even harder time.
This particular program focusses on Indigenous Youth and provide a for-CREDIT land camp where instructors integrate STEM content with land-based learning. Through this program, Indigenous Youth have been able to work towards graduation while also learning about their identity and connection to place. Furthermore, after graduation, students can come back and become instructors as their first jobs.
You can visit the program HERE – which can also be done at schools. The video below is an introduction to the InStem model.
– Sasha Passaglia
Sasha, what a great resource for kids! It would be so neat to incorporate more of these into schools as well. I always struggle with whether it’s better to have some programs that are just for indigenous students to learn more about their heritage, or have more programs that are open to all kids. I think both are good and have their purposes. You’ve made me think!!!