Our Programs

Inspiring, Resourcing, and Connecting Young Innovators

From sparking initial curiosity to celebrating discoveries on national stages, our programs create a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers Canadian youth to explore, investigate, and share through STEM projects.

Building a Complete STEM Journey

Youth Science Canada’s programs work together to support young Canadians at every stage of their STEM exploration—from the moment curiosity strikes through to sharing discoveries with the world.

Whether a student needs help finding a project idea, an educator wants to transform their teaching approach, or a young person seeks connection with like-minded peers, our programs provide the inspiration, resources, and opportunities that make meaningful STEM engagement possible.

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STEM Fairs

Celebrating Discovery From Community to Global Stages

Our national network of over 100 regional STEM fairs provides over 10,000 students annually with opportunities to present their investigations to engaged audiences. Top participants advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, where 400 finalists compete for scholarships and recognition, with outstanding projects earning spots on Team Canada for international competitions.

STEM fairs transform curiosity into confidence, giving young people platforms to share their ideas and discover that their questions matter.

Impact: 92% of CWSF participants report increased interest in STEM careers.

mySTEMspace

Free Resources for Every Step of the Project Journey

mySTEMspace is Canada’s hub for youth STEM project development. This free online platform provides everything students need to move from curiosity to completed project, including our AI-powered Spark tool that has helped over 13,000 students discover project ideas aligned with their genuine interests.

Students access step-by-step guides, video tutorials, templates, and examples across all STEM disciplines. The platform removes barriers by ensuring every Canadian student, regardless of location or resources, can develop meaningful STEM projects.

Impact: Accessible 24/7 from anywhere in Canada, bridging gaps in formal education settings.

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Smarter Science

Transforming How Science Is Taught

Smarter Science is an open-source framework for K-12 science education that emphasizes inquiry, creativity, and innovation. Through professional development workshops and free classroom resources, we help educators shift from content delivery to student-driven investigation.

The framework defines 35 essential inquiry skills and provides scaffolded strategies that work whether teachers are facilitating quick classroom explorations or year-long projects. Fully adopted by New Brunswick and widely implemented across British Columbia, Smarter Science proves that inquiry-based learning can work at scale while meeting curriculum expectations.

Impact: When students regularly practice inquiry in classrooms, participating in STEM fairs becomes a natural extension of their learning.

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purpleSTEMwave

A Movement Celebrating Youth Curiosity

The purpleSTEMwave is both a call to action and a vibrant community. It celebrates and unites young Canadians who transform their questions into action through STEM projects, providing connection, support, and belonging.

Our Discord community of 500+ active members shares ideas, collaborates on challenges, organizes events, and supports each other through the ups and downs of project development. It’s where students discover they’re not alone in asking “why?” and “how?” and that curiosity is something to celebrate, not hide.

Impact: Over 120,000 messages exchanged since launch, fostering peer mentorship and lasting friendships across Canada.

How Our Programs Work Together

A Complete Ecosystem for Youth STEM Engagement

Our programs are designed to complement and reinforce each other, creating multiple entry points and sustained support:

In the Classroom:
Smarter Science framework helps educators cultivate inquiry-based learning → Students develop investigation skills through regular practice → Interested students deepen their work into STEM fair projects

At Home:
Curious student visits mySTEMspace → Spark tool suggests project ideas → Step-by-step resources guide development → Student finds regional STEM fair to present their work

In Community:
Student joins purpleSTEMwave Discord → Connects with peers working on projects → Gains encouragement and feedback → Shares experience at STEM fair → Returns to mentor newer members

The Result: Young Canadians who see STEM not as intimidating subject matter, but as a powerful way to investigate questions that matter to them.

Supporting Every Canadian Student

Collectively, our programs ensure that curiosity, creativity, and innovation aren’t limited by geography, socioeconomic status, or access to specialized resources. By providing free digital tools, open-source frameworks, supportive communities, and celebration platforms, we’re building a Canada where every young person can explore their potential through STEM.

Your support makes this possible. Every program we offer, from online resources to national competitions, exists because of donors, sponsors, and partners who believe in the power of youth curiosity.