York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering receives funding from 407 ETR for student STEM program
by CM staff
The Lassonde program at York U will support programming that will create a talent pipeline in STEM and offer opportunities to underrepresented groups.
Photo: CNW Group/407 ETR Concession Company Limited.
TORONTO — York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering k2i (kindergarten to industry) program is receiving $400,000 in funding from 407 ETR that will help the program reach its goals of offering education to underrepresented groups in STEM.
The donation was announced on-campus event at the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence .
“We launched the k2i academy three years ago with the idea of bringing STEM learning to life,” said 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.
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.
