Elements

The ELEMENTS initiative runs after-school workshops that make science and technology relevant for young racialized women. In an informal, supportive group discussion atmosphere, three youth instructors and one volunteer lead workshops twice a week on topics such as teen pregnancy, health and nutrition, and the science of cosmetics at the TD Community Engagement Centre in Jane-Finch.

Beyond the workshops, the initiative also holds a variety of educational outings, such as rock-climbing and beach volleyball, to expose the girls to new experiences outside their neighbourhoods.

ELEMENTS also runs an eight-week summer program, with half the day focused on academics, taught by two Toronto District School Board teachers, and half the day focused on social and recreational activities.

The initiative has completed its first year of programming, with 13 young women in grades 9-12 participating in the after-school workshops and over 30 participants in the summer program. The girls are not only engaged in science-based learning outside of the classroom, they are building strong relationships as members of the initiative and benefitting from positive group activities.