InSTEM (Indigenous STEM) is a branch of Geering Up that is focused on collaborating with Indigenous community partners to create and deliver relevant and impactful programming. Through this initiative, we bring hands-on curriculum and exciting activities to 200 classrooms and 26 communities all across BC each year.
Camps
During the summer months, Geering Up runs week-long science and engineering day camps in your community. Our camps operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with two instructors for up to 25 campers. These camps accommodate children in grades K-7, K-4, or 5-7. If you would like us to visit, fill out the outreach request form.
Workshops
Geering Up offers engineering and science workshops based on the B.C. curriculum consisting of exciting demonstrations, interactive experiments, and hands-on activities. Two instructors come equipped with all supplies, enthusiasm and excitement to run 1 to 1.5 hour-long workshops for each grade. Outreach Instructors will travel to your community for a week and provide a workshop for each classroom (K-12).
Funding & Resources
All students should have the opportunity to learn about and participate in STEM. That’s why we have put together lists of funding opportunities for communities as well as scholarships and awards for individual students.
InSTEM Internship Program
Geering Up’s online internship program is an opportunity for Indigenous students in Grades 11-12 and first year university to develop key professional skills as leaders and STEM instructors. Our specialized staff will train interns to design fun and engaging STEM curriculum and deliver Geering Up’s online activities this summer.
- Detailed job description: link to PDF job description
- Grade Levels: Grades 11-12 and first year university
- Internship Duration: July 7 – Aug 29, 2025
- Deadline to apply: 23:59 on Sunday, May 4th, 2025.
- Geering Up fosters a positive learning environment for both students and staff, so all positive-minded applicants will be considered for an interview. We ask that all candidates find access to a stable internet connection, webcam, computer, and clear-sounding microphone to work online in this program. If this is a challenge for you, please contact us at InSTEM.geeringup@ubc.ca.
- The opportunity to foster your leadership skills, increase your interest in STEM, and support your professional development.
- The chance to promote diversity, contribute your culture and knowledge, and teach STEM topics to Indigenous youth.
- Exposure to employment and networking opportunities, even if you are working from home.
- Unfortunately we no longer run our mentorship program. We highly recommend checking out UBC's Rural eMentoring BC program for mentorship volunteer opportunities, and for rural youth to connect with a postsecondary mentor!
