Symbiosis, a BC-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design, Math) network of people, resources and technology. Weaving together both formal and informal education, this innovative learning ecosystem – the first of its kind outside the US – will become a vibrant model for scaling the kinds of learning and careers needed in a knowledge-based economy.
Mission:
To build collaborative partnerships across BC with diverse individuals & communities committed to cultivating a sustainable STEAM Learning Ecosystem with equitable access for all learners.
Vision:
Within five years, every learner in British Columbia—regardless of geographic location, ethnic or cultural background or family income—will have awareness and access to an interlinked web of STEAM learning opportunities.
Symbiosis will focus on three key impacts:
The Need:
We live in a time of unprecedented change. Technological innovations are rapidly transforming our communities and the Canadian marketplace is increasingly dominated by novel, knowledge-based jobs that require high levels of literacy in STEM-related fields.
Now, more than ever before, British Columbia needs bright, curious minds to secure our future economic success. It is estimated that two-thirds of students entering elementary school today will be employed in jobs that do not currently exist. Of those new jobs, about 80% will require STEM literacy.
STEM education in Canada and elsewhere is struggling. One study found that 60% of students who enter high school interested in STEM fields change their minds by graduation. Without mentoring, students—especially girls—tend to lose interest in STEM.
Today, only 22% of Canadian STEM jobs are held by women. Failing to prepare the next generation to be STEM literate threatens our youth, our economy and the places we live.
Every major Canadian city hosts a plethora of organizations that engage children and youth in STEAM learning, yet these organizations exist largely in isolation. To date, we have failed to scale these learning opportunities evenly across both urban and rural regions. As a result, a huge proportion of Canadian youth, particularly in Indigenous and other underserved communities, do not receive quality STEAM learning opportunities.
Symbiosis will address this need and help the next generation find new pathways – wherever their curiosity may lead them.
Help us build STEAM literacy across British Columbia.
Mission:
To build collaborative partnerships across BC with diverse individuals & communities committed to cultivating a sustainable STEAM Learning Ecosystem with equitable access for all learners.
Vision:
Within five years, every learner in British Columbia—regardless of geographic location, ethnic or cultural background or family income—will have awareness and access to an interlinked web of STEAM learning opportunities.
Symbiosis will focus on three key impacts:
- Dramatically increase the number of qualified STEAM mentors in BC—from teachers and scientists to technologists and entrepreneurs
- Connect mentors and youth within communities through networking opportunities, from classroom visits and on-site shadowing to volunteering and paid internships
- Host a digital hub to interweave these communities, host a library of learning resources and connect children and youth to the spectrum of educational opportunities
The Need:
We live in a time of unprecedented change. Technological innovations are rapidly transforming our communities and the Canadian marketplace is increasingly dominated by novel, knowledge-based jobs that require high levels of literacy in STEM-related fields.
Now, more than ever before, British Columbia needs bright, curious minds to secure our future economic success. It is estimated that two-thirds of students entering elementary school today will be employed in jobs that do not currently exist. Of those new jobs, about 80% will require STEM literacy.
STEM education in Canada and elsewhere is struggling. One study found that 60% of students who enter high school interested in STEM fields change their minds by graduation. Without mentoring, students—especially girls—tend to lose interest in STEM.
Today, only 22% of Canadian STEM jobs are held by women. Failing to prepare the next generation to be STEM literate threatens our youth, our economy and the places we live.
Every major Canadian city hosts a plethora of organizations that engage children and youth in STEAM learning, yet these organizations exist largely in isolation. To date, we have failed to scale these learning opportunities evenly across both urban and rural regions. As a result, a huge proportion of Canadian youth, particularly in Indigenous and other underserved communities, do not receive quality STEAM learning opportunities.
Symbiosis will address this need and help the next generation find new pathways – wherever their curiosity may lead them.
Help us build STEAM literacy across British Columbia.
Symbiosis:
|
|
|