Actua Wrapped 2023
December 22, 2023
As we wrap up another transformative year at Actua, it’s a great time to reflect on the incredible work and achievements across the Actua network in 2023. This year has been marked by resilience, innovation and a collective commitment to empowering youth with opportunities in STEM while we continue to remove barriers to ensure all Canadian youth can participate.
This year Actua engaged over 375,000 youth in 600 communities throughout Canada. This work is made possible with the support and commitment of our funders, network members, community partners, instructors, staff and Board of Directors. As we reflect on the year’s achievements, we are reminded it would not be possible without the collaborative spirit that defines Actua’s community.
Actua’s 2023 highlights
We are proud of so many achievements this past year – more than we can mention in one blog post. Here are a few highlights!
Actua was announced as a recipient of the Federal Government’s Strategic Science Fund
In early December, The Government of Canada announced Actua as one of the successful recipients of the newly launched Strategic Science Fund (SSF). This investment recognizes the critical role of youth engagement in a vibrant and prosperous science and innovation ecosystem in Canada. The funding will help sustain and scale our network’s critical work to support the development of essential STEM skills among equity-deserving Canadian youth in every corner of the country.
Actua supports youth engagement at Forward Summit West and East
Actua engaged Indigenous youth at Forward Summit West and East to support vital conversations and actions toward economic reconciliation. The Summits focused on the vast career opportunities and pathways for Indigenous youth within STEM fields and other sectors and allowed Actua to deepen our work with Indigenous youth and provide specialized next-step learning opportunities and skill development.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
To raise awareness of the importance of online safety and being a proactive digital citizen, Actua and cybersecurity experts developed a series of resources for parents and educators throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Actua welcomed educators for an Indigenous cultural learning experience
As part of Actua’s Indigenous Youth in STEM (InSTEM) program, Actua and Network Member, Virtual Ventures of Carleton University, hosted an immersive InSTEM educator land camp at the Thompson Island Cultural Camp in Akwesasne.
International Day of the Girl Celebration
In October, Actua celebrated International Day of the Girl with a special event dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua
Selected for UN Delegation
In March 2023, Actua CEO, Jennifer Flanagan, was part of the Canadian delegation to the UN’s sixty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Jennifer was one of 15 Canadian STEM professionals who contributed to global discussions around innovation, technological change and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all girls and women.
On AI and ChatGPT
Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua, shed light on the pivotal role of Chat GPT and AI in education. Across multiple media interviews, including CTV’s The Social, Jennifer shared the transformative potential of emerging technologies, emphasizing their capacity to revolutionize personalized learning experiences and transform the future of education.
Receives Prestigious 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award
Actua celebrated CEO Jennifer Flanagan’s big win of the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award celebrates not only achievements but also the collective strength of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.
