Toyota Canada Foundation is investing $1 million towards the launch of Actua’s new National Black Youth in STEM program as well as support engagement of youth from underserved communities across Canada.
“Since 2017, we’ve been proud to help Actua reach segments of the Canadian population underrepresented in STEM,” says Leslie Miller, Treasurer, Toyota Canada Foundation. “This additional investment of $1 million dollars will support Actua programs engaging more girls and young women, Indigenous and Black youth, and youth living with disabilities in STEM.”
Actua is Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach network representing over 40 university and college based members.
“We are incredibly grateful for Toyota Canada Foundation’s significant re-investment,” says Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua. “The pandemic has exposed and amplified a magnitude of pre-existing inequalities preventing youth from accessing and pursuing STEM education and skill-development opportunities here in Canada. Toyota Canada Foundation’s four-year investment will help Actua make substantive progress towards addressing these inequalities and raising the bar on equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM.”
Acua’s programs create safe and inclusive learning environments that ensure all youth can benefit from and feel a sense of belonging in STEM regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex, gender, ability, geography, and socioeconomic status.
