Expanding Access to STEM: BGC’s Growing Impact in Kingston
A 2024 grant from the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area has enabled BGC South East to make a transformative difference in the community, expanding STEM education and mentorship for students who need it most.
Scaling Afterschool STEM Opportunities
With the $20,500 grant, BGC South East launched a phased approach to STEM outreach, starting with integrating STEM content into their existing after-school programs across multiple sites such as St. Francis of Assisi and Rideau Heights, and quickly moving into providing year-round daily STEM learning opportunities within their new STEM & Robotics Centre at the 1300 Bath Road location. The BGC STEM & Robotics team worked closely with the after-school program staff to tailor programming to each site’s needs, offering everything from app-based activities to hands-on robotics kits. “We are focused on building the capacity of instructors at our after-school program satellite sites, so they can deliver engaging STEM content with confidence,” explained Scott Compeau, Director of Education & Innovation.
Looking Ahead: In-School Mentorship
Building on this momentum, BGC South East will expand into in-school STEM mentoring beginning in Fall 2025. Programming will be offered at up to 10 local schools, including J.G. Simcoe and Molly Brant, and will support classroom teachers with hands-on robotics and technology activities that complement the curriculum. “Our vision is to help embed STEM and robotics content directly into the school day, in addition to existing after-school and evening program offerings,” explained Compeau. “We wanted to meet students where they are, providing hands-on learning and consistent STEM support in their classrooms. It’s about creating a sustainable model that BGC South East, in collaboration with our local partner schools, can carry forward.”
Reaching Underserved Youth
The impact on students—especially those from underserved communities—has been profound. Bruna Guarino Moraes, Associate Director, STEM & Strategic Initiatives, emphasized, “This grant allowed us to expand our team and bring specialized educators into schools. We’ve been able to reach over 1,000 kids a year, many of whom wouldn’t otherwise have access to these opportunities.”
One of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing students who don’t typically participate in extracurriculars find a sense of belonging. “We’ve had kids who aren’t into sports discover a community through STEM,” Compeau noted. “They’re coming to school excited, staying engaged, and building both technical and social skills.”
A Lasting Legacy
Looking ahead, BGC South East is committed to deepening its school partnerships, expanding in-school mentoring, and integrating STEM with literacy and life skills. “We’re just getting started,” said Moraes. “With continued collaboration, we can ensure every student—regardless of background—has the chance to explore, innovate, and thrive.”
The legacy of this grant is clear: a growing culture of curiosity and confidence in Kingston’s schools, with lasting benefits for students and the wider community.