Hamilton, May 11, 2026
154
Students reached across 7 classrooms
52%
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 the Yukon Territory. Between October 2025 and 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 the Pinnguaq Association through the Government of Canada’s Digital Skills for Youth program, and with support from the Yukon Department of Education. These partnerships were critical to ensuring the program reached students in geographically isolated classrooms, including those from Indigenous backgrounds.
Delivered directly in regular science and math classes by a trained facilitator, the program introduced students to fundamental coding concepts through space- and automotive-themed experiential learning 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 should have the same quality of STEM education that students in Ontario have. Our expansion demonstrates that with the right partners and an inclusive 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, 52% were female, reflecting Mathstronauts’ 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 student populations.
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 Whitehorse Elementary School ensured smooth logistics and that the program was tailored to the needs of their 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.