The initiative is bringing together educators, youth organizations, and the engineering community to drive systemic change through a collective impact model.
A transformative new program aimed at reshaping youth engagement in engineering was officially launched on November 20 at the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering (ONWiE) Summit, held at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON. The Forward Engineering Collective was informed by recommendations in the Where is the E in STEM? report, released in 2023 by Engineers Canada.
The collective was founded by six partners, including Engineers Canada, Engineers of Tomorrow, Boys and Girls Club South East, Let’s Talk Science, ONWiE, and SpinMaster, and made possible through the financial support of the Leacross Foundation.
Drawing inspiration from a successful UK model, the initiative is guided by five core principles: a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and a backbone support organization.
These principles guide the four collective actions that have the potential to overcome many of the barriers that limit youth and children from fully engaging in an exploration of engineering. They include:
- Inspire connection: Reframe engineering to be seen as a welcoming and inclusive profession that is accessible to everyone.
- Drive inclusion: Remove obstacles and expand access so that every student, regardless of their background, has the chance to pursue engineering.
- Showcase engineering: Make engineering visible and relatable by sharing real stories and experiences.
- Improve impact: Build stronger support systems and educational resources to ensure all students can engage effectively with engineering.
By focusing efforts in these key areas, the Collective aims to break down barriers that prevent children and youth from fully exploring and thriving in engineering.
The Forward Engineering Collective invites educators, organizations, and individuals nationwide to join this movement, fostering inclusive opportunities and inspiring the next generation of engineers. To learn more or get involved, visit forwardengineeringcollective.ca.
