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FAQs

Most learning happens during sessions. Occasionally, students may be encouraged to continue exploring or prototyping at home.

We are committed to inclusive education. Our facilitators adapt materials, provide accommodations, and ensure accessibility for all learners. Please let us know about any specific needs during registration so we can prepare and provide the best support.

Our programs are designed to complement—not replace—school learning. Many parents find that students become more engaged and confident in school after participating in STEAM initiatives because of improved critical thinking and motivation.

We use formative assessments like observations, reflections, peer feedback, and project presentations. The focus is on growth and problem-solving skills, not grades.

We provide most materials. Students may be asked to bring a notebook or water bottle. Specific instructions will be shared before the program starts.

We welcome parent feedback through surveys, or email. Your input helps us improve and tailor the program to better serve our families and community.

STEAM fields open doors to careers in engineering, health sciences, AI, game design, architecture, environmental science, robotics, digital art, data science, and more. Early exposure helps students make informed future choices.

The Barrett STEAM Academy is an educational program designed to engage students in hands-on, project-based learning experiences focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It aims to nurture curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

The Academy is open to students in Grades 6 - 12. We welcome all learners with an interest in exploring how STEAM disciplines impact the world around us.

Students gain:

  • Hands-on learning through experiments and real-world challenges
  • Exposure to future-focused skills like coding, robotics, design, and innovation
  • Opportunities to collaborate with peers and mentors
  • Enhanced problem-solving and creative thinking abilities
  • Preparation for post-secondary education and STEAM careers

Students will participate in workshops, lab experiments, design projects, coding challenges, robotics, digital art, and group presentations. Activities are designed to be both educational and fun, encouraging active learning.

We are located at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation, Humber Polytechnic – North Campus, 205 Humber College Blvd., Etobicoke ON M9W 5L7.

Sessions are in person only.

Not at all! The Academy is designed to be inclusive and supports learners at all levels – Beginners or Advanced. We provide scaffolding so students can grow from wherever they are.

Programs will run during Fall and Winter on Saturdays, as follows:

  • STEAM Academy Sr. – 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • STEAM Academy Jr. – 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

There is a nominal registration fee of $100

Registration is through our website. We recommend registering early as spaces are limited. To assist you with registration, we have a video tutorial.

Yes! Parking at Humber is free on weekends.

Encourage curiosity, ask open-ended questions, explore STEAM topics together, and support projects or challenges your child may bring home.

Our team includes experienced mentors with strong backgrounds in STEAM.

Yes, safety is our top priority. Students are going to be properly supervised, and all activities take place inside the building.

We will provide light snacks for the students. Please include all allergies or dietary restrictions on the waiver form.

The parents/guardians must send completed forms at least a week before the program start date.

We will make sure the student(s) will not be included in the photos and videos. To ensure this, we will provide them with colored lanyards.

Art enhances creative thinking and design skills. In STEAM, art includes visual arts, digital media, storytelling, and design thinking—encouraging students to communicate ideas, build visually appealing prototypes, and think outside the box.

Students will be grouped into two or more depending on the activity. Facilitators adjust the complexity of tasks based on student readiness.

Yes! We are doing the project exhibition or showcase on the last Saturday of each program wherein students present their projects to peers, parents, and the community.