Nation Building Through 21st Century Workforce Development: Youth-Led STEM Expo Puts Canada’s Future on Display
Toronto, ON | February 4, 2026 — As Canada looks ahead to how it prepares the next generation to lead, innovate, and compete in a rapidly changing world, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) will host the Canada-Wide Youth STEM Expo on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, bringing together 190+ youth from every province and territory, representing communities from the Arctic to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
The Expo is open to the community and takes place at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus at the Highland Hall Event Centre (1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON). Designed as a hands-on, youth-centred experience, the Expo connects learning to real-world application across sectors shaping Canada’s future: Energy, Biotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics, Skilled Trades, Sport, Cybersecurity, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
“Nation-building is strengthened when young people can see how their skills connect to a changing economy,” said Melanie Ratnam, CEO of SCWIST. “At a time when industries are transforming rapidly, this Expo helps youth understand which career pathways and skills are in demand with a focus on adapting an interdisciplinary learning mindset for the future.”
Featured Expo programming includes:
Robotics and Applied Problem Solving: Triple Automation, a Canadian robotics and automation company, will deliver a mechantronics bootcamp showcasing how industrial robotics systems are designed and programmed.
Canada’s Role in the Return to the Moon: Researchers from STARLab will run a hands-on workshop connected to NASA’s 2027 Artemis 3 mission, giving youth direct exposure to Canadian research supporting humanity’s return to the Moon after more than 50 years.
Sports and STEM: A full basketball court anchors the Expo floor, with on-court drills, workshops and fireside chats led by Ontario Basketball, MLSE LaunchPad, Canada Basketball, ReactForge, and Sports Media College.
Breaking Barriers in Aviation: Judy Cameron, Air Canada’s first female commercial pilot, will take part in a fireside chat reflecting on her career and what it takes to open pathways in aviation and STEM-connected fields.
Music, Technology, and Canada’s Creative Future: Drew Gonsalves, Juno Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer, who wrote the platinum-selling album for Calypso Rose, will explore the future of music and technology.
Why This Matters? As Canada focuses on long-term nation-building, the Youth STEM Expo places youth at the center of that effort — engaging directly with the people, tools, and ideas shaping the country’s future. The Expo serves as the public culmination of a three-day National Youth STEM Summit, hosted by SCWIST on February 2 and 3 at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, where the 190+ youth engage in national roundtables and workshops.
Media Invitation: Members of the media are invited to attend the Expo at UTSC and Chelsea Hotel. Interview opportunities are available with youth participants from across Canada, SCWIST leadership, and featured contributors.
