The Aurora Research Institute’s (ARI) STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Outreach Program inspires and empowers youth across the Northwest Territories (NWT) through hands-on STEM education. For over eight years, ARI has engaged around 8,000 kindergarten to Grade 12 students annually, ensuring access to high-quality programming, especially in remote and underserved communities. The program is led by a dedicated team of three full-time staff based in regional research centers in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Fort Smith.

The ARI’s STEM Outreach Program removes financial and regional barriers to STEM education by offering a variety of delivery methods, including classroom visits, after-school programs, and remote activities. Initiatives like the award-winning “Train the Teacher, Loan the Gear” program equip educators with the tools and confidence to integrate STEM into their classrooms and communities. The program also extends its reach through community events such as Community Science Nights, Science Rendezvous, and Geoweek, along with resources for summer camps, libraries, and youth centers across the NWT. Additionally, the ARI’s STEM Outreach Program collaborates with local schools, Indigenous organizations, and partners like the Western Arctic Research Centre, Actua, and Let’s Talk Science to provide free programming throughout the region.

A key component of the ARI’s STEM Outreach Program is its focus on integrating Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture into STEM learning. By working with Indigenous governments, Knowledge Holders, and Elders, the program creates opportunities for students to explore connections between Indigenous Knowledge and Western science. This approach fosters a safe space for youth to explore science through cultural practices, language, and their relationship with the natural environment, all while respecting traditional ways of knowing. The program also provides free career chats and visits from STEM professionals to encourage youth to see themselves in STEM roles.

By blending innovative STEM programming with Indigenous knowledge and community engagement, the ARI’s STEM Outreach Program plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of northern scientists, engineers, and innovators.