Full STE(a)M ahead

For a group of Indigenous junior high school students, a week at Queen’s University opened new doors to labs, lakes and the possibility of a future in science and engineering. A future they hadn’t imagined before.

As Imperial celebrates National STEM Day this November, one partnership stands out for its impact on the next generation of Indigenous innovators.

At Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, the First Nations STEM Futures Academy is helping Indigenous youth discover their potential in science, technology, engineering and math – with support from Imperial, a long-time champion of STEM education for Indigenous students.

The Academy was created to bridge a longstanding education gap for First Nations students. “We saw bright, curious students in Grade 7 and 8 who loved science,” says Melanie Howard, Director of Indigenous Futures in Engineering at Queen’s. “But when they had to leave their communities for high school, we often lost touch. The Academy keeps that connection alive and shows them a path to a future in STEM.”

This spring, 30 students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Akwesasne attended the first on-campus session at Queen’s. They explored water chemistry, hospital simulations, and robotics projects, and met Indigenous post-secondary students studying those same fields. “For many, it was the first time they’d met an Indigenous person in engineering or science,” says Kayla Ford, Program Lead. “That representation makes a huge difference – it helps them picture themselves there.”

Beyond the summer experience, the Academy offers year-round virtual study halls, workshops, tutoring and mentoring. Parents are also engaged to help them advocate for their children’s education as they move into larger schools. “Our goal isn’t just to inspire,” says Kayla. “It’s to help them graduate, stay in STEM, and pursue post-secondary study.”

With Indigenous high school graduation rates roughly 20 per cent lower than the national average, programs like this are essential to help students stay engaged and succeed. By taking a broad view of STEM and community-focused applications, the Academy opens doors to meaningful, relevant career paths — from AI for language revitalization to drones for land monitoring and remote healthcare tools.

But it’s not just about academics — it’s about connection. The Academy fosters a sense of identity and belonging that’s just as vital to student success as curriculum. Melanie affectionately calls these students her ‘Indiginerd community.’ As she defines it: a growing network of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students bonded by their love of science and technology. “Having a community of like-minded people who understand where you’re from and where you’re going is powerful,” she says.

Imperial’s support ensures participation is free by covering travel, meals, and accommodation, removing barriers for many communities. “We couldn’t do this without our partners,” says Melanie. “Imperial’s support lets us reach more communities and welcome students from across Canada.”

As we mark National STEM Day on November 8, Imperial is proud to help Indigenous youth see themselves as the scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow.