Indigenous STEM Program

The Indigenous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Outreach program is a reciprocal partnership between Indigenous communities and groups and the University of Victoria's Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE), Faculties of Science & Engineering, and Science Venture, to address the gap in scientific literacy by engaging Indigenous youth in STEM and encouraging them to pursue these fields as a career choice. UVic is playing a leadership role by breaking down the barriers to education in the sciences through interactive, engaging and culturally relevant programs that are community driven.

Community Partners

Started in 2008, the University of Victoria's Indigenous STEM program currently works with the following communities and organizations:

• Uu-a-thluk

• Victoria Native Friendship Centre

• Island Metis Community & Family Services

• British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres

Programming offered in these communities is varied, from after school science clubs to spring/summer break camps, and community events.

Past Initiatives

Past Indigenous STEM Initiatives have included Community Partners such as:

• LAUWELNEW Tribal School

• Tla'amin Nation

As part of the Indigenous STEM program, the University of Victoria also hosted the Annual Indigenous STEM Middle & High School Tours . During these day-long events, which brought together up to 100 Indigenous youth from SD 61, 62, and 63, students went behind the scenes at the University of Victoria to explore labs, meet students & professors, and participate in hands-on activities.