Hamilton, May XX, 2026
Mathstronauts completes first-ever Yukon expansion of STEAM Engine program, reaching over 150 students across Whitehorse
154
Students reached across 7 classrooms
51%
Female participants, near-perfect gender balance
8
Hands-on STEM workshops per classroom
Grades 5-7
Students aged 9 to 13 served
We are proud to announce the successful completion of our inaugural programming in Yukon Territory. Running from October 2025 through April 2026, the STEAM Engine program expanded into Whitehorse schools for the first time, delivering eight hands-on coding workshops to 154 students in grades 5 to 7 free of charge.
The expansion was made possible through the generous support of the Canada Post Community Foundation (CPCF) and Pinnguaq Association through the Government of Canada’s Digital Skills for Youth program, along with partnership with Yukon Department of Education and Yukonstruct. These partnerships were critical to ensuring the program reached students in high-need classrooms, including those from Indigenous, low-income, and newcomer backgrounds.
Delivered directly in regular science and math classes by trained facilitators, the program introduced students to fundamental coding concepts through space- and automotive-themed projects. Students explored real-world STEM applications, from Mars exploration simulations to automotive engineering challenges, building practical skills they could immediately apply and extend on their own.
“This program shows kids that coding can be fun and instructive. I had two kids make their own games with what they learned in class.”
— Homeroom Teacher, Whitehorse Elementary School
“Yukon youth deserve the same quality of STEM education that students in urban centres have. This program proves that with the right partners and the right approach, we can bring high-quality coding education directly to students in rural and remote communities, and make them feel like they belong in STEM.”
— Sehrish Zehra, Executive Director, Mathstronauts
Of the students who participated, 51% identified as female, reflecting Mathstronauts’ deliberate commitment to achieving gender balance in STEM education. Participants also included students who identified as Indigenous, racialized, newcomers, and those living with disabilities, demonstrating the program’s reach into some of Yukon’s most underserved communities.
The program was delivered directly in classrooms to ensure equitable access, removing the need for students to travel or incur any costs to participate. Close coordination with the Department of Education and Yukonstruct ensured smooth logistics and that the program was tailored to the needs of Yukon students.
The program was delivered directly in classrooms to ensure equitable access, removing the need for students to travel or incur any costs to participate. Close coordination with school board partners and Yukonstruct ensured smooth logistics and that the program was tailored to the needs of Yukon students.
The STEAM Engine program currently reaches over 1,000 youth in Ontario annually. Mathstronauts will use data and learnings from the Yukon pilot, including pre- and post-program surveys, knowledge assessments, and instructor reflection logs, to refine and grow the program’s presence in the North.
The STEAM Engine program currently reaches over 1,000 youth in Ontario annually. Mathstronauts will use data and learnings from the Yukon pilot, including pre- and post-program surveys, knowledge assessments, and instructor reflection logs, to refine and grow the program’s presence in the North.