Welcome to the STEM Leadership Program!
Testimonials
“Being part of Geering Up’s STEM-LP Program introduced me not only to other like-minded people, but also to the range of possibilities within engineering for everyone. I would highly recommend this program for anyone hoping to make valuable connections and gain a better understanding of what working in STEM is really like.”
Description of Program
The UBC Geering Up STEM Leadership Program (STEM-LP) is a year-long initiative focused on the professional development and training of high school students for the purposes of establishing strong values indicative of a STEM Ambassador. The summer component of the program will focus on a Social Development Project (SDP) in addition to volunteer work with Geering Up. This time will provide the Leaders-in-Training with the tools they need to be successful STEM Leaders in the future.
What are Leaders In Training (LITs)?
Leaders-In-Training (LITs) are high school volunteers who support our summer camps for kids. They work closely with our instructor team in leading a minimum of 2 one-week-long daily STEM summer camps with up to 24 youth by creating a hands-on and dynamic learning environment. Camps will be held in person at UBC Vancouver or an Offsite location (South Surrey, Coquitlam, Richmond, or North Vancouver). Leaders-In-Training have the opportunity to learn hands-on Engineering skills and apply them in a summer-long Social Development Project (SDP). More details will be provided during the course of the training program, however, this project will require some work outside of regular shift times.
The program consists of 3 major components:
February -April |
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May-June |
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July – August |
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Selected Leaders-in-Training will come from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and upbringings. UBC Geering Up encourages any student interested in growing their leadership skills, regardless of their levels of experience, to apply for the program.
Under the guidance of the UBC Geering Up Staff, Leaders-in-Training are required to:
- Act as a role model in camps
- Support instructors and engage with participants during volunteering hours
- Follow safety and risk management policies and ensure every participant is safe and having fun
- Actively participate in valuable workshops to prepare them for post-secondary education and entering the workforce
LITs will be supervised by Geering Up Instructors during volunteering hours. LITs will maintain communication with the Volunteer Student Assistants regarding training, scheduling, reference letters, and other camp-related questions.
Program Objectives
The STEM-LP Program provides Leaders-In-Training (LITs) with an opportunity to:
- Learn technical engineering skills (Python, JavaScript, HTML, C++, Arduinos, CAD…)
- Apply the Engineering Design Cycle through a summer-long project
- Understand the real-world applications of Engineering
- Gain experience teaching others
- Work with a team of like-minded peers
- Facilitate STEM education in week-long camps
- Present projects and findings in an end of summer gala
Qualifications
- Be entering Grades 10-12 in September, 2025
- We encourage students who will be entering Grade 10 or above in the fall of 2024 to apply, however, preference will be given to students entering Grade 11 or above in the fall of 2024.
- Located in British Columbia Lower Mainland. Have not previously been an LIT
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven teamwork abilities and strong leadership skills
- Experience working with children in a teaching environment is an asset
- A passion for social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
*All successful applicants must complete a Criminal Record Check upon admission into the program.
Geering Up strives to break down barriers in STEM that may prevent youth from participating based on their race, gender identity, ability, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation. If you are interested in joining this program but the requirements pose a barrier for you, please reach out to volunteers.geeringup@ubc.ca to discuss accommodations that can be made to facilitate your involvement in the program.
Become a STEM Ambassador
Upon successful completion of the Leader-In-Training Program, LITs are invited, and encouraged, to remain in the program during the fall as STEM Ambassadors for their communities. They will become part of the STEM Ambassador Council, which acts as a bridge between Geering Up and high schools in BC through the sharing of ideas and improvement of outreach initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
| STEM Leadership Program | Junior Instructor Program | |
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| Term | February - September (Optional until December) | One or more of:
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| Duration | Volunteer for at least two weeks in Geering Up summer camps | Volunteer for at least one week in Geering Up summer camps OR for at least one club term (Fall/winter) |
| Training | Train in technical, professional, and teaching skills | Train in professional development, teaching, and classroom management |
| Special projects | Pursue a summer-long social development project with the aid of Geering Up and industry professionals | Once per camp week, design and lead your own STEM lesson for the class. |
You can reach us at volunteers.geeringup@ubc.ca.
