In 2025, SCWIST launched the “Youth Volunteers as STEM Leaders, Community Change Champions, and Policy Advocates” initiative in partnership with national and community-based organizations across Canada. This initiative creates opportunities for girls, women, and underrepresented youth to explore STEM pathways and careers.

Through this initiative, 160 youth leaders from every province and territory are attending the 2026 STEM Expo alongside community-based organizations committed to equity, education, and innovation in STEM. These youth leaders represent the incredible, vast, and diverse talent shaping Canada’s STEM future. SCWIST is thrilled to unite them at the Expo for a day of connection, idea-sharing, and exploring STEM opportunities!

Youth leaders will attend the Expo alongside organizations including: Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society, Canadian Black Scientists Network, Canadian Council of Rehabilitation and Work, Cumberland House, First Nations Education Administrators Association, IDEA-STEM, IndigeSTEAM, Ontario Basketball Association, Pond Inlet Girls Club, Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology, Skill Sisters, TGC, Visions of Science, and Yukon First Nations Education Directorate.

Let’s meet some of the inspiring youth leaders attending the 2026 STEM Expo!