University of Saskatchewan

The Science Ambassador Program (SAP) is a STEM outreach initiative of the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan. The program has been collaborating with Indigenous teachers, parents and Elders in communities in northern Saskatchewan to strengthen scientific confidence and encourage learning opportunities among youth for nearly two decades. The program makes science accessible, relevant and culturally grounded.

The SAP was established in 2017 in response to a problem identified by community members: youth faced persistent barriers in their remote communities, where access to science teachers, resources and enrichment opportunities is limited.

To help address this gap, each spring, senior undergraduate and graduate students from across the University of Saskatchewan are selected as Science Ambassadors and placed for four weeks in partner community schools, where they live, teach and learn alongside students, educators, Elders and families. This immersive model builds trust and engagement while creating meaningful connections between classroom science and community life.

Central to SAP’s success is its two‑way learning approach, which weaves western scientific concepts together with Indigenous ways of knowing. Through land‑based learning, hands‑on experiments, astronomy activities and outdoor exploration, Ambassadors collaborate with teachers and Elders to design learning experiences rooted in local culture and knowledge. The program also supports Indigenous language revitalization by integrating scientific terminology in Michif, Dene and Cree into its educational materials.

To date, 280 Science Ambassadors have reached some 29,000 students across 11 northern communities, 94% of whom identify as Indigenous. The program has also collaborated with 1,460 teachers. Post-program evaluations show that students develop an increased interest in science, stronger aspirations toward post‑secondary education, and improved classroom engagement. Communities consistently request the program’s return.

By fostering belonging, curiosity and possibility, the SAP empowers Indigenous youth to see themselves reflected in science and to imagine futures in STEM that align with their identities, cultures and communities.