Space for all: Engaging Canadian youth from all backgrounds in STEM
Canada's space sector is known for uniting Canadians, but also for fuelling innovation and driving economic growth. It supports over 12,000 high-quality jobs – a majority of them in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. That number has grown steadily in recent years and is expected to keep rising, especially as the global space economy is projected to nearly triple by .Footnote 1
But there's a challenge: 65% of Canadian space companies already face difficulties hiring personnel.Note de bas de page 2. To keep pace with this fast-moving industry, we need to empower the next generation, widen the talent pool as much as possible and create pathways to new careers to attract the best and brightest into the space field.
Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen shares some advice with budding astronaut Yaphet Yoseph, 10, during a visit to the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto. Yaphet, who has been wanting to become an astronaut since he learned about Chris Hadfield in kindergarten, had great questions for Jeremy. (Credit: CSA)
Preparing the next generation of workers
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) uses space to inspire young Canadians to study STEM and support the development of the future workforce. In –, the CSA reached well over 85,000 Canadian youth through meaningful hands-on activities, speaker presentations, kiosks and other initiatives.
Because space drives innovation in many high-tech fields, which in turn generate benefits for everyone on Earth, one of the CSA's priorities is to reach youth from diverse backgrounds. Diverse teams are key to finding new solutions. They bring varied perspectives that lead to novel ideas and more creative approaches to complex challenges like those faced in the space sector. That is why we need to make room for everyone to contribute their talent.
Amanda and Darius, of the West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA), talk about the power of space and the importance of demystifying space careers and having role models for our youth. (Credits: CSA, Let's Talk Science, Actua, WIBCA, Ulnooweg Education Centre, Austin Vavrovics, Burkevale Protestant School)
Teamwork makes the dream work
Key collaborations have helped the CSA connect with groups underrepresented in STEM, namely girls, Indigenous, visible minorities or socio-economically vulnerable youth.
- Together with Nunavut communities, the CSA co-developed the Lunar Adventure Kit, a resource about growing food in Nunavut and in space that blends Western science concepts with local knowledge and cultural principles of Inuit peoples.
- Through our ongoing relationship with Actua, we co-developed space-based activities that sparked imagination and interest in STEM for hundreds of youth across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories over the last two years. The most recent activity is related to the Artemis II mission, and it involves coding and physical activities that encourage discussions on risks, mission anomalies, and decision-making. It was first presented in the North by Actua's outreach team over the spring and summer of 2025 and now continues to be offered in schools and communities across Canada through Actua's national network of member organizations.
- The Rover Driving Academy, developed by Mission Control under contract from the CSA, reached over 5000 students across Canada over 18 months. It was adapted and optimized for underrepresented audiences. About 70% of the participants were from these groups, including kids living with a disability.
West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) during a programming activity with Janice Cudlip, former Youth STEM Initiatives Lead at the CSA. (Credit: WIBCA)
- In preparation for CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk's upcoming mission to the International Space Station, the CSA called on volunteer mentors of the West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) and a number of teachers to participate in a pilot project that will inform the development of a new learning activity related to growing food in space. The pilot project used a technology developed by Ulnooweg Education Centre, an Indigenous-led charitable organization.
Meeting communities where they are
The CSA's diverse speakers deliver presentations on various space topics to students across the country. They contribute to demystifying space careers and truly become an inspiration and role models for these youth to see themselves in the space field.
We work with organizations like Connected North to reach Indigenous youth in remote regions, and whenever possible, we send experts on site to engage with them directly.
Participants in the science career camp during an activity with Actua and the CSA. (Credit: CSA)
For example, over the past three years, we have delivered hands-on workshops at the annual science career camp, organized by Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Open to Inuit youth aged 14 to 18 from communities across Nunavut, the camp provides an opportunity for our team to explore the connections between STEM, space and community needs and interests. As part of our yearly visit, we also engage with students at the local high school.
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen visits the school in Ndilo, Northwest Territories. (Credit: CSA)
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen meets members of the Turtle Lodge community after a ceremony in his and Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond's honour. Henry designed the Canadian mission patch for Artemis II. The Turtle Lodge community has been helping Jeremy prepare for his upcoming journey around the Moon. (Credit: CSA)
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen visited the Yellowknife region for a series of public events in . He was invited by the Chiefs of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation and visited schools and the communities of Dettah, Ndilo and Łutsel K'e. Teachers noted that while students were talking about space during and after his visit, the most significant impact was a noticeable boost in both school attendance and motivation.
The benefits and opportunities of space exploration are limitless, and space truly is for everyone. All it takes is passion, curiosity and a little spark – which we are more than happy to provide.