March is Canada’s largest celebration of engineering – National Engineering Month! The celebration is guided by the theme, “Engineers Open Doors”, which invites participants to discover how engineers open doors to new possibilities and new futures, and welcomes everyone to be part of this transformative profession. The theme recognizes the spirit of innovation, inspiration, and progress that defines engineering, highlighting how the profession not only solves complex problems but also inspires the next generation of innovators.
Youth and K–12 students are central to National Engineering Month. However, many young people across Canada still face barriers to exploring engineering—from limited awareness of the profession to uneven access to hands-on learning opportunities. These barriers can be especially significant for girls, Indigenous youth, racialized youth, and students in rural or underserved communities. By working together to inspire connection, drive inclusion, showcase engineering, and improve the impact of outreach efforts, we can help open doors to a future that reflects the full diversity of Canada’s learners.
The Forward Engineering Collective brings together educators, industry leaders, and community organizations united in a shared mission: to propel K-12 STEM education with an explicit focus on the 'E'. Together, members work to strengthen both formal and informal learning environments so that children and youth across Canada have meaningful opportunities to explore engineering. A key part of this work is addressing barriers that limit access to engineering learning experiences and ensuring that more young people can see themselves reflected in the profession.
“Engineering encompasses more than mathematical equations; it is about fostering opportunities and ensuring an inclusive environment for everyone,” says Philip Rizcallah, P.Eng. Adds Jeanette Southwood, P.Eng., Executive Vice-President, Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Affairs at Engineers Canada, “By creating pathways for young people—especially those from underrepresented communities—we not only cultivate future professionals but also ensure that the engineering field reflects the full diversity of Canada.”
It is also important to recognize that post-secondary students, professional engineers, and educators also play vital roles in opening doors for the next generation. Post-secondary students act as mentors and role models, sharing their journeys and inspiring younger learners through outreach and peer-led initiatives. Professional engineers contribute by volunteering their time, sharing their expertise, and helping to shape educational programming that reflects real-world challenges and innovations. Educators, meanwhile, bridge the gap by incorporating engineering concepts into classrooms and fostering curiosity about the profession. Together, these diverse audiences help create a supportive ecosystem, ensuring that engineering remains an accessible and evolving field.
Throughout the month, National Engineering Month also connects professionals and educators with students through workshops, talks, design challenges, and hands-on activities. These events help bring engineering to the forefront, making it easier for students to see and understand its impact, sparking their curiosity in the field.
The Forward Engineering Collective reinforces this vision by creating inclusive pathways that inspire kids and youth to see engineering as a creative, collaborative field available to them. By investing in youth and strengthening access to engineering experiences, the Collective helps equip the next generation with the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to imagine and create solutions for the future.
“National Engineering Month shines a spotlight on how engineering can shape a brighter future for all. Through the Forward Engineering Collective, we aim to expand opportunities and ensure that young people from every background feel welcomed in this dynamic field. We invite everyone to join the celebrations this month, get involved in the activities, and help us inspire the next wave of creative thinkers and changemakers,” says Kim Bouffard, Manager Belonging and Engagement Engineers Canada.
Learn more about how you or your organization can be part of the Forward Engineering Collective.
