The ARI STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Outreach Program is an award winning youth outreach program delivered by four full time staff working out of each of our regional research centres in Inuvik, Yellowknife, and Fort Smith. We provide year-round, free access to science and digital literacy resources across the NWT, helping ensure that every young person and educator, no matter their location, has access to inspiring, hands-on science STEM programming. Beginning in 2016 with one part-time position in one community, the program has grown to expand its offerings to all five regions of the NWT, fostering curiosity, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for northern youth.

High School students conduct a snow survey on Piers Lake as part of their 10-day Winter Camp. Surveys were sent to GNWT Environment and Climate Change as part of a citizen science project.

Each year, ARI’s STEM Outreach Program engages roughly 8,000 JK-12 students in more than 20 communities. Through a mix of in-person workshops, community events, and remote programming, the team brings science, engineering, digital skills, and problem-solving directly to places where youth gather – classrooms, libraries, youth centres, and on the land programs. This flexible model ensures that all northern students can access the same high-quality learning experiences as those in regional hubs.

A cornerstone of the program is the award winning Train the Teacher, Loan the Gear initiative. When travel isn’t feasible, local educators receive hands-on STEM kits, tailored lesson plans, and ongoing support, all at no cost. This approach has become essential in a territory where travel is expensive and distances are far. Teachers consistently return for new kits each year, demonstrating the program’s value and long-term impact.

Our program is grounded in regional knowledge and issues. From place-based climate education to digital literacy and engineering challenges, youth explore science through meaningful experiences that strengthen identity and reinforce community knowledge and expertise. This includes visits from local professionals working in STEM fields who share their education journey and work experiences, giving youth the opportunity to visualize themselves in these roles in the future.

The program’s impact extends beyond youth. ARI delivers professional development for educators across the territory, offering hands-on training, digital resources, and strategies for inclusive STEM teaching. In February 2026, the team will be delivering five interactive workshops for northern educators at the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association Teachers Conference on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to environmental monitoring and climate change.

Ulukhaktok youth participat in geography and coding/robotics sessions at Helen Kalvak School. 

Community engagement is central to our program. Events like Science Rendezvous, Community Science Nights, GeoWeek, and partnerships with local organizations bring families and residents into the excitement of STEM. The team brings on summer student staff whenever possible, offering mentorship and workplace training, also ensuring that youth programs are able to be offered year-round.

Backed by strong partnerships, ARI’s STEM Outreach Team connects northern youth with real-world science happening in their own regions. The results are clear: 93% of youth report wanting to learn more about STEM after participating, and 60% say they’re more interested in pursuing STEM in college or university.

In a territory where access to programming can be limited by geography and cost, ARI’s STEM Outreach Team is reshaping what is possible, empowering northern youth to see themselves as scientists, problem-solvers, and future leaders of the NWT.