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WATERLOO ENGINEERING OUTREACH PROGRAMS

ENGAGED OVER 21,000 YOUTH THROUGH

380 EVENTS AND PROGRAMS IN 2015.

OVER 95,000 FACE-TO-FACE HOURS WERE SPENT BETWEEN STAFF

AND PARTICIPANTS.

ENGINEERING OUR FUTUREFor over 25 years, Waterloo Engineering Outreach has

worked to promote a better understanding of the impact

the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Math) has on the lives of Canadians and others.

We believe that a society where everyone makes the most of their STEM

abilities will lead to life-changing discoveries and a better world for all.

We are committed to:

INCREASING AWARENESS

From office supplies to space exploration, we show how engineering

and science influence the tools and technologies that we use today

and will use in the future.

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE

Through hands-on activities, we introduce children and young adults to

the scientific theories and technical concepts that have and will continue

to shape our world.

CULTIVATING CURIOSITY

By explaining how things work around us, we encourage all to ask ‘why

is that?’ and to form and test hypotheses to their questions.

INSPIRING ACTION

We motivate youth to discover and create technologies that will enhance

our quality of life by helping them understand ways in which science and

engineering have been used for real-world breakthroughs.

INCLUDING EVERYONE

By connecting with engineering with everyone, including new Canadians,

low-income families, and traditionally under-represented groups in STEM,

such as women and aboriginal communities we reinforce the need for

diverse perspectives, opinions and ideas.

I WAS REALLY HAPPY WITH MY DAUGHTER’S EXPERIENCES AT THE CAMP. THE PROJECTS SHE BROUGHT HOME WERE SPECTACULAR. MY HUSBAND IS A RESEARCH SCIENTIST AND WAS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH WHAT SHE WAS DOING.

Find out more about our

elementary programming

at esq.uwaterloo.ca.

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ESQ celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015.

ESQ was the only STEM youth outreach program invited to be part of the

Ontario Celebration Zone

at the 2015 Pan Am games

held in Toronto.

ESQ has presented over 5,000 workshops in

elementary classrooms

since 1990.

ESQ has run over 2.300 weeks of camps since 1990.

ENGINEERING SCIENCE QUESTTo make effective change in STEM interest, you have

to start young. This is the principle that has guided much

of the work of the Engineering Outreach staff members.

The majority of outreach programs and events are

geared to elementary school students.

Engineering Science Quest (ESQ) helps elementary school youth

develop confidence in their science, engineering, technology and

math abilities by providing hands-on activities presented in a fun and

energetic environment. ESQ runs an annual summer camp program

that reaches a total of 2,500 youth from the Waterloo region and

select rural and aboriginal locations in Southwestern Ontario.

Additionally, ESQ offers school break programs and in-class

elementary workshops. In partnership with local schools, ESQ

provides programming that focuses on involving parents in the

science education of their children.

Thanks to the help of Engineering Outreach supporters, ESQ offers

bursaries for families in financial need and an inclusion program to

help children with special needs fully participate in its programming.

ESQ, a member of Actua, a national network of STEM education

programs, was awarded the 2013 Actua & GE Canada Award for

Leadership and Innovation in science and technology education.

This honour recognizes ESQ on a national level for its dedication

to high-impact programs, ongoing leadership and supportive

engagement of Canada’s most underserved youth.

THE PROGRAM GREATLY ENHANCED MY LEADERSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS WHILE PROVIDING ME WITH EXCELLENT HANDS-ON ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE. CATALYST MOTIVATED ME TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT STEM-RELATED EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER OPTIONS.

Find out more about Catalyst

at catalyst.uwaterloo.ca.

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» Catalyst has visited over 70 classrooms since its

inception.

Over 2,000 youth have

participated in a Catalyst

program to date.

Participants in the Catalyst

summer high school program

have accumulated over 13,000 volunteer hours.

CATALYSTAs high school students approach graduation,

a world of possibilities lies ahead of them.

Engineering Outreach believes that while many

students want to study science and engineering,

they are unaware of related educational

opportunities and how they may lead to careers

and industries of which they are more familiar.

Launched in 2012, our Catalyst program engages high school

students interested in the world of science and engineering

and draws connections between research, leadership skills, and

the communities in which they live. Through the Summer Program

and High School Workshops, students participate in meaningful

activities and tours of research facilities and local businesses. They

gain confidence in their abilities, achieve a better understanding

of opportunities that are open to them, and leave motivated to

make a difference.

Catalyst’s Women in Engineering conference for Grade 11 students

is an impactful, two-day event that encourages young women

to pursue careers in technological fields. Participants stay in a

university residence and are introduced to the many facets of

science, technology, engineering and math at a post-secondary

level, which helps them understand the importance of diversity

and perspective in all walks of life.

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

43,500SPOTS FILLED IN SUMMER PROGRAMS

1,000USED PROGRAM

SUPPORT SERVICES

50UNIQUE

COMMUNITIES REACHED

1,250ABORIGINAL YOUTH REACHED

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45,000HOURS OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

25YEARS OF

PROVIDING PROGRAMS

2,750BURSARIES DISTRIBUTED

I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THE CALIBRE OF THE GO ENG GIRL PROGRAM. THE EVENT WAS WORLD-CLASS AND RAN FLAWLESSLY. THE SPEAKERS AND ACTIVITIES LEFT A PROFOUND IMPACT ON MY DAUGHTER.

Find out more about

Women in Engineering

at wie.uwaterloo.ca.

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» Over 1,160 students, faculty

and staff volunteer at WiE

youth Outreach programs.

Over 3,600 girls

participated in WiE Youth

Outreach programs.

Since 2010 over 2,500 engineering students attended a WiE Event.

WOMEN IN ENGINEERINGWaterloo Engineering believes that diversity in

all forms is crucial to the future of the profession

to provide the perspectives and creativity required

to innovate and change the world. The first step

is to develop stronger representation of women

in Engineering.

Women in Engineering (WiE) at Waterloo is involved in a variety

of programs that are tailored to the needs of its audiences at all

educational levels. Hands-on activities and inspiring mentors show

young girls that engineering is about developing solutions which

enhance everyday life.

Held on campus, Badge Day allows Girl Guides to complete all

the requirements to earn one of their STEM-based badges. Twice

a month, Saturday girls’ clubs meet to explore a field of engineering

with a mentor. The annual Go ENG Girl event held in October

is an opportunity for Grade 7-10 girls and their parents to visit

the university, learn about the exciting field of engineering, and

participate in a series of activities.

At the university level, WiE facilitates networking, mentoring, and

professional development opportunities for students. All activities

foster a sense of community and help students navigate their

educations and careers.

I LOVE THAT MY CHILDREN WERE EXCITED TO BE LEARNING NEW THINGS, BRINGING HOME THEIR EXPERIENCES AND EAGER TO RETURN THE NEXT DAY.

Find out more about

our programming at

weconnect.uwaterloo.ca.

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» Over 15,000 youth

reached annually through

community events.

Over 700 parents and children visited the

University of Waterloo

through Engineering

Explorations annually.

Over 300 faculty members,

staff, and undergraduate

and graduate students

have engaged in community

outreach events.

ENGINEERING EXPLORATIONSNot everyone can attend a summer camp

program or have Engineering Outreach visit

their classroom. There are many additional

events that staff participate in to reach as

many youth as possible.

Engineering Outreach runs and supports other programs

that help us reach a broader audience. One such program

is Engineering Explorations, an open house event where

current students run small group tours through many

Waterloo Engineering laboratories and facilities. At each

stop, researchers showcase their work through interactive

talks and demonstrations. Tour stops range from exploring

fundamental concepts and cutting edge innovations.

Through the sharing of our expertise and resources,

Engineering Outreach supports non-profit events in

the community that aim to increase interest in science,

technology, engineering and math. In the past, we have

participated in community events including the University

of Waterloo’s Canada Day celebrations, the City of

Kitchener’s KidSpark, the Waterloo Wellington Science

and Engineering Fair, and the Waterloo Engineering Sedra

Student Design Centre’s Electric Vehicle Challenge.

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» INCREASING AWARENESS UNDERSTANDING AND

ENGAGING CULTIVATING CURIOSITY

INSPIRING ACTION GAINING PERSPECTIVE

Find out more about

our programming at

weconnect.uwaterloo.ca.

THANK YOUFOR HELPING US MAKE A DIFFERENCE!The success of our programs is a direct result

of the support we receive from numerous

members of our community.

Through the volunteering of time, resources and expertise,

we are able to provide relevant experiences and connections

to both theory and industry.

Through financial and in-kind sponsorship, we are able to

provide amazing equipment and materials and offer subsidies

to children in need. All of this helps ensure that our participants

have a meaningful and engaging experience.

Through taking the time to talk with us, and by sharing your

ideas, we are able to run activities and inspire participants in

ways that were previously unimaginable.

To all of you who help us with our Waterloo Engineering

Outreach goals, thank you! Your commitment to creating

interest in STEM is invaluable.

If you want to help us continue to make a difference, please

contact us at:

weconnect@uwaterloo.ca

519-888-4856

weconnect.uwaterloo.ca

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OUR 2015 PARTNERSCORNERSTONE PARTNERS

PLATINUM PARTNER

GOLD PARTNER

SILVER PARTNER

BRONZE PARTNER

3M MTE BLACKBERRY D2L WATERLOO NORTH HYDRO

|

MY CHILD LEARNED SO MUCH IN FOUR DAYS AT ESQ. THANK YOU.

YOU HELPED STRENGTHEN HIS SELF-CONFIDENCE – HE LEFT FEELING LIKE

HE CAN DO ANYTHING.

University of Waterloo, CPH-1320200 University Avenue WestWaterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1

weconnect.uwaterloo.caweconnect@uwaterloo.ca 519-888-4856 C

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