70 per cent of tomorrow’s jobs will require STEM skills, but less than half of high school students graduate with the prerequisite STEM courses.

With an expected skills shortage of 100,000 engineers over the next decade, providing STEM skills is about more than providing youth with options, it’s an investment in our future.

In 2016, the BC Ministry of Education embarked on the largest curriculum overhaul in our province’s history. With a new focus on an inquiry-based learning model and the integration of computer coding as a core skill, the new direction aims to modernize the current education system and respond to the growing demand for higher STEM literacy among high school graduates.

There is no question that success will rely heavily on a strong teaching workforce. However, many school districts are ill-equipped to meet the demands of this new curriculum and teachers in particular, lack the tools and knowledge to engage youth in STEM.

Where others might see a problem, we see opportunity. UBC Geering Up began piloting professional development workshops focused on increasing STEM literacy and engagement of BC teachers. Our vision? Cultivating a network of STEM champions with educators on the front lines of change.

Together we can build the next generation of leaders.

Working with Key Influencers to Reimagine STEM Classrooms

Geering Up worked with 400 teachers in 2018 at 15 Pro-D events. Having established a suite of signature events, and learning lessons of our own along the way, we are primed to take these events to the next level.