Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers: FEAS and Actua Expand STEM Access Through New Partnership
The Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science is proud to announce a new partnership with Actua, Canada’s leading STEM outreach organization, with $70,000 in funding to support inclusive and transformative programming throughout 2025.
Delivered through the FEAS Outreach team, Actua’s support will enable free, hands-on programming for more than 6,600 youth across the Greater Toronto Area, reaching Indigenous youth, Black youth, girls and young women, and students in underserved communities—groups historically underrepresented in engineering and technology fields.
“Actua’s support allows us to remove barriers to STEM education, foster confidence and curiosity, and reach youth who might otherwise never see themselves in these spaces,” says Minakshi Suri, Manager of Equity and Community Inclusion “This partnership is about building a future where all young people have the tools and mentorship they need to lead as innovators and changemakers.”
Among the key initiatives:
- InSTEM programming centred on Indigenous ways of knowing, co-developed with Indigenous leaders and schools
- All-Girls programs like Go CODE Girl, FuturENG, and Global Changemakers Engineering Competition
- Black Youth in STEM workshops in partnership with community organizations
- Go Where Kids Are outreach that brings engineering directly into low-income and newcomer communities
- Professional learning for educators, equipping teachers to champion STEM in the classroom
FEAS’ outreach programs are community-rooted and future-focused and continue to set the standard for equity-driven engineering education. All programs are delivered free of charge to participants, reducing financial barriers and ensuring that no student is left behind.
“Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion isn’t just aspirational—it’s operational. With Actua’s partnership, we’re able to deepen that commitment by investing directly in the communities we serve.”
National Recognition
As a proud member of the Actua Network, TMU joins more than 40 Canadian institutions working together to radically and relentlessly break down barriers to STEM. Actua’s national reach amplifies local impact, ensuring stories from the faculty’s classrooms, labs, and partner schools shape the future of STEM education policy and funding across Canada.
The 2025 programming year will build on past successes while introducing new content focused on AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable engineering, with youth co-designing elements of their learning experience.
Discover more about our Outreach programming here.