By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now accepting applications for its regional I-STEM (Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) program for students entering Grade 9 in the 2026–2027 school year. Open to all students across Halton and Ontario, applications can be submitted through the I-STEM webpage on the HDSB website.
The four-year I-STEM program equips students with innovation skills rooted in engineering design, design thinking, and entrepreneurial problem-solving. It emphasizes adaptability in the face of technological change, globalization, and shifting demographics while offering hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for future academic and career success.
Graduates of the I-STEM program have earned national recognition, including top prizes in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. The program is currently offered at Aldershot School in Burlington, Elsie MacGill Secondary School in Milton, and T.A. Blakelock High School in Oakville.
The HDSB remains committed to ensuring I-STEM is accessible and inclusive for all students, including those who may not have STEM clubs or specialized programming at their current schools. Representation and equity are key priorities, and the board continues to build partnerships that foster belonging and opportunity in the STEM field.
Last year, HDSB partnered with Black Youth in Technology, Engineering, and Science (BYTES), which offers hands-on workshops to encourage exploration and confidence in STEM among students. Elementary school initiatives, such as maker clubs, robotics teams, and girls in STEM groups, also nurture curiosity and creativity from an early age.
Aiman Flahat, Superintendent of Education, responsible for community partnerships, shared that these partnerships help students see themselves reflected in STEM spaces. “We brought in Black and Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs to host panels and workshops where students could connect and envision their future in STEM,” Flahat said. “We’ve also created opportunities for elementary and high school students to collaborate, such as entrepreneur conferences where youth meet professionals from diverse backgrounds.”
HDSB continues to promote the I-STEM program across all elementary schools, ensuring every family is aware of the opportunity. Presentations, multilingual materials, interpreter support, and diverse student ambassadors help make the program accessible and inviting for all.
Within I-STEM, students engage in real-world design challenges that emphasize collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving in a learning environment that prioritizes belonging, confidence, and success for every learner.
Applications for the 2026–2027 I-STEM program close on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Schools will notify applicants of their status by December 5, and accepted students must confirm their spot by December 12.
