Rise in STEM

Youth Action Committee

Where youth meet leadership.

Meet our Youth Action Committee

The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is paid a leadership initiative that engages youth ages 18-22 years old in our program development and implementation. This initiative also aims to extend supports and capacity building as youth navigate post-secondary and the workforce. Ultimately we want to empower the next generation of STEM youth leaders.

Objectives

  • Incorporate youth voices, ideas, and needs into our strategic plan, programs, and events

  • Increase engagement among youth and community building through the development and execution of various programs and activities

  • Accelerate career paths through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking activities

  • Support youth along their personal development journey, and contribute to their overall social and emotional well-being

Meet the YAC

2022-23

Kunle Fakuade

Engineering | Evaluation Team

Wonuola Talabi

Life Sciences | Leadership Event Team

Joelle Weir

Journalism & Environmental Science | Evaluation Team

Chanelle Abankwah

New Media | Leadership Event Team

Mikel Osei-Owusu

Computer Science | Wellness Team

Immaculate Ardarkwa

Psychology | Wellness Team

*Not pictured, Muniira Mohamoud, Computer Science, Evaluation Team

YAC Projects

Wellness Team

This year, the wellness team created the #FridayFunday series to activate youth around the Etobicoke region and encourage them to join fun wellness activities each week. Events included a Youth Games Night, Paint & Pot Night, Nature Fun in High Park (Postponed), and a Cooking Class with Rosie Mensah (Postponed). You can find out more about the #FridayFunday series at our past programs page.

Leadership Event Team

The Leadership Event Team had the pleasure of creating a brand new initiative to support youth leadership in Etobicoke and the Greater Toronto Area. They worked diligently to develop The Next Up: Youth Leadership Event. From coordinating amazing guest speakers to facilitating fun games, this team planned and executed a phenomenal event. For a recap of The Next Up: Youth Leadership event, check out our past programs page.

Evaluation Team

The Evaluation Team played a key role in evaluating both the #FridayFundays series and The Next Up: Youth Leadership event. They also supported the evaluation of other Rise in STEM programming that was not led by the YAC. Their insight will be used to improve our programming to come back better than ever next year.