k2i academy: An Innovative Ecosystem Addressing System Barriers in STEM from Kindergarten to Industry

Abstract

k2i (kindergarten to industry) academy within the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University is an innovative ecosystem that works to meaningfully design and integrate equity and inclusion based STEM programs that address persistent problems in education. In order to address these barriers, k2i academy has developed an Inclusive Design Framework that guides our work and ensures that our programs are designed with equity, diversity and inclusion as the central principle. This framework was implemented in the Bringing STEM to Life: Work Integrated Learning program to address inequities for underrepresented high school students. The program participants earned a high school physics credit during the summer while gaining employment experience as a Lab Assistant working on projects with mentors. Through collaborations with Lassonde Faculty researchers, industry partners, and educational leaders in school boards, the program identified that these experiences allowed youth and K-12 educators to broaden their understanding of STEM, developed critical technical and professional skills and enabled youth to imagine and see themselves in a STEM career.