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Creating Equity-Focused STEM Learning Programs with k2i academy

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Conference

2022 ASEE St. Lawrence Section Annual Conference

Location

Syracuse University, New York

Publication Date

March 25, 2022

Start Date

March 25, 2022

End Date

February 26, 2024

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

10

DOI

10.18260/1-2--45408

Permanent URL

https://sftp.asee.org/45408

Download Count

19

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Paper Authors

biography

Lisa Cole Lassonde School of Engineering, York University

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Lisa Cole is a passionate educator, system leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education and committed to public education. She is an award winning high school physics/science and mathematics teacher and former president of the Ontario Association of Physics Teachers. Lisa is passionate about equitable access to STEM education and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. Lisa believes that STEM literacy is important for all learners. Through her work, she hopes to inspire educators, students, and communities to become future innovators, critical thinkers and creative problem solvers.

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biography

Michelle Tsui-Woods k2i academy, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University

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Michelle joined k2i academy with a wealth of experience in higher education, not-for-profit and financial services sectors. She has a successful track record of developing and growing strategic relationship programs within large and complex organizations at a local, national and global scale, working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders. As the Associate Director of k2i academy, she continues to leverage her expertise to implement innovative, equity-focused STEM programs. She is committed to creating inclusive and equitable STEM education opportunities for youth.

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biography

Vanessa Ironside k2i academy, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University

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Vanessa comes to k2i academy with a wealth of experience. Prior to joining us, she worked for the University of Waterloo Engineering Science Quest, the University of Toronto Engineering Outreach and most recently Ontario Tech University Engineering Outreach. Vanessa has extensive experience developing and delivering hands on STEM content in formal and informal settings with a large focus on inclusive and equitable programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and History & Philosophy of Science and a Master of Education in Development Psychology both from the University of Toronto. She is passionate about making STEM Education accessible, inclusive, and engaging to all students and preparing educators with the tools to implement innovative new teaching practices. As k2i academy prepares for the new upcoming school year, we are thrilled to have Vanessa join us in this important work.

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Abstract

k2i (kindergarten to industry) academy within the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University works to meaningfully design and integrate equity and inclusion based science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs into all areas of education. These programs address systemic barriers that limit youth from succeeding in STEM areas, pursuing further education and finding a place in industry. The Bringing STEM to Life: Work-Integrated Learning program was designed to address inequities for underrepresented high school students by offering a high school physics credit during the summer in addition to a paid position as a Lab Assistant collaborating with Lassonde Faculty researchers and industry partners. k2i academy partners with school boards in the greater Toronto area to identify Women, Black and Indigenous students within their communities to participate in the experience. The educators, faculty researchers and undergraduate mentors who facilitate the work collaborate to create culturally relevant curriculum that focuses on engineering design, coding and computational thinking with a focus on sustainability through the use of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Cole, L., & Tsui-Woods, M., & Ironside, V. (2022, March), Creating Equity-Focused STEM Learning Programs with k2i academy Paper presented at 2022 ASEE St. Lawrence Section Annual Conference, Syracuse University, New York. 10.18260/1-2--45408

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