Lassonde program at 91��ɫ U will put money towards programming that will create talent pipeline in STEM and offer opportunities to underrepresented groups

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 – 91��ɫ’s Lassonde School of Engineering k2i (kindergarten to industry) program is receiving a $400,000 injection of funds from 407 ETR that will help the program reach its goals of dismantling systemic barriers for underrepresented groups in STEM (science, technology engineering and math) and preparing the next generation for careers in these fields.

The donation was announced at an on-campus event today at the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence where leadership from Lassonde and 407 ETR were on-hand to speak to the importance of the initiative and what this money would mean for the programming offered through k2i.

“We launched the k2i academy three years ago with the idea of bringing STEM learning to life,” says Jane Goodyer, Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering. “The k2i academy is a sandbox for innovation in STEM education, building a network of collaborative partners, committed to creating systemic change in our education system. With this gift, Lassonde will continue our work to increase equity, diversity and inclusion, and create a talent pipeline in STEM through job-ready training and innovative learning models.”

The donation will be divided equally between two programs, administered by Lisa Cole, Director of the k2i academy.

The first program, the 407 ETR Path2STEM Fund, will support a micro-credentialed Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program. SHSMs allow students to gain experiences and develop skills toward their high school diploma in Ontario while focusing on a specific economic sector. The 407 ETR Path2STEM Fund will be used to create a series of innovative SHSM experiences in engineering and digital technologies. Geared towards diverse learners, the program will prepare students for innovative post-secondary programs and meaningful STEM careers.

407 ETR President & CEO Javier Tamargo says his organization is keen to invest in a highly skilled and diverse workforce that can meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“407 ETR is a company rooted in STEM. In fact, about half of our workforce is employed in a STEM-related position ranging from data analytics and IT to traffic and tolling. These professionals are integral to our business, and so is ensuring that our team is reflective of the vibrant communities we serve,” says Tamargo. “That starts with doing our part to help foster a diverse talent pool which is why we’re so proud to support the Lassonde School and 91��ɫ’s work to move more youth into the pipeline towards rewarding academic and professional careers in STEM.”

The second program, the 407 ETR Work Integrated Learning Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) fund, will specifically be geared to help k2i expand its offerings to students underrepresented in STEM, including women, Black and Indigenous youth and those from low-income communities. Since 2020, k2i has been offering paid summer work opportunities for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 while gaining school credit. The programming is done in partnership with the Toronto District School Board, 91��ɫ Region District School Board and Peel District School Board. Students receive 140 hours of paid work with an added opportunity to earn a high school prerequisite credit for STEM pathways while learning skills in coding, design, electronics and more. This year’s on-campus program offered a unique Grade 12 English credit, rooting language and communication in hands-on science and engineering experiences.

Students are empowered to explore, question, wonder and discover through interactive learning experiences to strengthen skills in computational thinking, coding, electronics, engineering design, 3D modeling and creativity. Combining work and learning provides an innovative way for students to explore possibilities in STEM careers, connect with networks and mentors to launch their interests in postsecondary studies, gain experience in developing STEM skills, and strengthen professional skills in communication, collaboration and problem-solving.

“With this generous donation from 407 ETR, we will continue our journey of offering paid educational experiences to underrepresented students in environments that are dynamic, innovative and collaborative,” says Cole. “We’ve already reached 6,000+ youth and offered more than 175,000 hours of learning and we’re thrilled to be able to expand this work and hit our next milestones.”

Since its launch, in June 2020, k2i academy has:

• Developed partnerships with publicly funded school boards with 522,000+ students and 74,000+ staff.
• Employed 400+ high school students and 130+ undergraduate STEM mentors through the Bringing STEM to Life: Work-Integrated Learning program.
• Has seen more than 99 per cent of students successfully complete their credits.

407 ETR has been a supporter of the Lassonde School of Engineering and 91��ɫ for over a decade. In 2013, a donation was made to support the 407 ETR Learning Laboratory, home to pre-laboratory training, theory, and application for a generation of Civil Engineering students.

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Leadership from Lassonde School of Engineering and 407 ETR available for interviews, as well as Jane and Finch area high school students and undergraduate mentors

TORONTO, July 24 2023 – Media are invited to campus tomorrow, Tuesday, July 25,  for an announcement between 91��ɫ’s Lassonde School of Engineering and 407 ETR, as high school students enrolled in k2i’s summer 2023 program prepare for their final presentations answering big questions in engineering.

Launched in 2020 as a means to dismantle systemic barriers for underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) post-secondary programs and careers, the students enrolled in k2i’s summer program are meeting for the first time in-person since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 407 ETR is a longstanding partner of Lassonde and supporter of k2i.

WHO: Lassonde School of Engineering Dean Jane Goodyer, k2i Director of Programming Lisa Cole and 407 ETR CEO & President Javier Tamargo, as well as Jane-Finch high school students and university mentors from 91��ɫ and undergraduates from other universities who grew up in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood.

WHAT: Tour of Lassonde labs and k2i summer work-integrated learning programming followed by k2i and 407 ETR announcement and lunch. 

WHEN: Tuesday, June 25.

Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Tour of k2i summer work-integrated learning programming. Opportunities to interview k2i students and university mentors.

12:45 - 1 p.m.: Remarks from leadership from Lassonde, k2i and 407 ETR.

1 - 1:45 p.m.: Lunch and refreshments, with opportunities to interview leadership.

WHERE: , 11 Arboretum Lane, North 91��ɫ, ON M3J 2S5

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NSERC-funded initiative will enable collaborations with teachers in under-served communities

TORONTO, June 9, 2021 – will bring together 91��ɫ engineers and scientists, community organizations, K-12 educators and leaders to offer a new program to support Grade 9 and 10 students to choose careers in STEM.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council  that it will provide $600,000 in funding to the Lassonde School of Engineering’s Kindergarten to Industry (K2I) Academy. The K2I Academy will enable more than 375 teachers to bring STEM education and experiences to more than 11,000 Grade 9 and 10 students over the next three years.

The K2I Academy will connect science and math courses with real-world problem solving to show students how STEM can be used to bring about positive societal effects. K2I programming specialists will create programs that address global sustainability issues such as climate change, clean water and sanitation.

The program seeks to support, empower, and build opportunities for educators and students to solve problems that address the within their curriculum-connected learning in schools. Programming will draw from the expertise of Lassonde faculty and undergraduate students and industry partners, who will co-design the program with teachers to meet the Ontario curriculum requirements for in-person and online learning that is real-world and inclusive.

“K2I is working differently with partners from kindergarten to industry with a shared purpose − to dismantle systemic barriers and to build sustainable programs that diversify representation in STEM professions,” says Lisa Cole, director of programming at the K2I academy at the Lassonde School of Engineering. “The K2I Academy is committed to building sustainable, inclusive programs, ultimately developing a national STEM Education Leadership framework for school boards to use across Canada. We hope to build an inclusive program design that strives to diversify the STEM profession – kindergarten to industry.”

The K2I Academy is a crucial part of the Lassonde School of Engineering’s strategic plan to widen access for underrepresented groups to an education in engineering and science.

“The Lassonde School of Engineering is committed to helping young people understand what science, technology, engineering and mathematics can do to help society,” said Jane Goodyer, dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering. “We are committed to creating positive change for our students, our communities and the world around us by empowering creators to put ideas into action that push the world forward. It’s important that we have engineers and scientists that mirror the society we live in – one that reflects people of all different backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, ethnicities and abilities. Diversity in people, particularly those who are underrepresented in STEM, such as women, Black youth and Indigenous youth, brings diversity in thought to help us create solutions that make our lives and the world better.”

The programming will be delivered in partnership with GTA school boards, starting with Toronto District School Board and 91��ɫ Region District School Board, which together have more than 400,000 students.

“Leveraging the success of the Helen Carswell STEAM program in the Jane and Finch community, we will work with school boards to use the knowledge and data obtained to build sustainable programs that will inspire youth.” says Cole.

The Kindergarten to Industry (K2I) Academy will bring together engineers, scientists, community organizations, K-12 educators, leaders to offer new NSERC-funded initiative to support Grade 9 & 10 students to choose careers in STEM

— 91��ɫ News (@91��ɫUnews)

91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future. 

Media Contact:
Anjum Nayyar, 91��ɫ Media Relations, cell 437 242 1547, anayyar@yorku.ca

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