Mathstronauts is thrilled to announce they have been selected by the Ontario Government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) as a recipient of the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program to support the development of a highly skilled workforce in the automotive and mobility sector.
The RFW Program is allocating over $6 million to 14 projects carried out by Ontario non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and school boards to deliver automotive and mobility-focused programs connecting students from kindergarten to post-secondary to the sector.
The nearly $300,000 funding received by Mathstronauts underscores the significance of our mission to bridge the STEM educational gap and empower students in underserved communities. This award validates the relentless efforts of our team and charges our ability to extend the outreach of our programs.
“As we continue to grow Ontario’s auto supply chain, it’s important that we empower students and connect them with exciting opportunities in the sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We’re attracting billions of dollars worth of investment from companies worldwide that will create thousands of new jobs.”
“We are honored to be selected as a recipient of this funding and excited to contribute to this important project,” said Sehrish Zehra, Executive Director at Mathstronauts. “At Mathstronauts we believe in providing educational programs driven by community needs, and our work here will help to pave the pathway for the technologically skilled workforce required in Ontario in the near future.”
Fostering a Talent Pipeline
“Careers in Ontario’s auto sector offer life-changing opportunities, with good pay, pensions and benefits. Our government will continue to invest in innovative projects that help workers and jobseekers get the skills they need to land better jobs with bigger paychecks in the auto industry,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Through the RFW Program, Mathstronauts will create two school programs in collaboration with GM Canada, McMaster University, and the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board. These programs will engage 600 students in grades 5-12 to foster interest in automotive and mobility careers. By offering high-quality STEM programming, mentorship, and hands-on projects, we aim to enhance students’ readiness for the automotive industry future workforce, cultivating their software-related skills and industry knowledge.
Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Automotive Sector
We are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). This funding aims to level the playing field for underrepresented groups in the automotive sector and reducing stigmas around pursuing careers in this field.
Our programs will embody EDI principles through diverse curriculum content, featuring varied ethnic, racial, and gender identities. We will integrate inclusive examples of scientists, engineers, and researchers, fostering cultural awareness. Hands-on activities and projects will emphasize cultural diversity. Fostering inclusivity will help students connect, understand diverse STEM careers, and learn mutual acceptance and respect.
GM Canada will provide students a chance to connect with real-world STEM mentors in class, sharing their automotive career journeys. These mentors are GM Canada’s engineers and technologists, and they will raise awareness about the diversity of automotive jobs, demystify STEM jobs, and showcase their dynamic work settings.
About Mathstronauts
Mathstronauts is a registered non-profit organization was established in 2016 with a clear mission: to eliminate barriers and empower young individuals to cultivate their digital technology and STEM skills through a multidisciplinary, project-based learning approach. Over the course of our seven-year journey, we have honed our expertise in developing and delivering a wide range of educational programs, including in-class sessions, afterschool programs, mentorship initiatives, competitions, workshops, and outreach events. These programs cater to youth in Grades 5 to 12, fostering their growth and development in these critical fields. We are proud to have forged a diverse set of partnerships, including long-standing collaborations with institutions such as McMaster University (6+ years) and GM Canada (4+ years), as well as alliances with educational entities like HWDSB, HWCDSB, HDSB, HCDSB, TCDSB, and various community organizations. Furthermore, we have cultivated robust relationships within the automotive industry, exemplified by our partnerships with GM Canada, MARC, and EcoCAR, which continue to enhance our ability to provide valuable opportunities and insights to the youth we serve.
About OVIN and The Regional Future Workforce Program
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an Ontario government initiative, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) that is driving innovation and collaboration in the automotive and mobility sector to build safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation. The Regional Future Workforce Program (RFW Program) is an initiative introduced by OVIN to support the development of a highly skilled workforce in automotive and mobility. The RFW Program is allocating over 6 million dollars to 14 projects carried out by Ontario non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and school boards to deliver automotive and mobility-focused programs connecting students from kindergarten to post-secondary to the sector. The program aims to create a robust talent pipeline and ensure Ontario remains a leader in the rapidly evolving automotive and mobility industry.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Priska Handojo
Marketing and Communications Specialist
+1(647) 425-7319
p.handojo@mathstronauts.ca