Tens of thousands of students across British Columbia are set to engage in innovative tech-driven project-based learning, thanks to a significant investment of $150,000 from Simon Fraser University (SFU). This funding initiative, known as the 2025 Cmolik–SFU Grant Program, is designed to revolutionize the educational experience in classrooms throughout the province. By fostering a project-oriented approach within science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), this program seeks to empower educators with the resources to enhance student engagement and competence in critical thinking.
The grant program, which is administered by SFU’s Faculty of Education in collaboration with the Cmolik Endowment Fund, targets a wide range of educational levels, from kindergarten through Grade 12. The goal is not merely to provide funding but to inspire educators to develop versatile initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of students. By doing so, the program lays the groundwork for a future where students are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Dan Laitsch, the dean of education at SFU, emphasized the transformative potential of the Cmolik–SFU Grant Program. He expressed enthusiasm over the overwhelmingly positive response from educators and schooling communities across British Columbia. Laitsch noted that the grants will enhance educational experiences and improve learning outcomes for generations. The financial backing from Ellen and Russ Cmolik is also significant in demonstrating a commitment to educational advancement and equity in the province.
One of the standout projects funded by the initiative is Coquitlam’s “Expanding Equitable Access to Robotics in Middle Schools,” which has received $25,000. This funding will allow the MakeX robotics program, which initially served as a pilot in certain schools, to expand its reach to all 14 middle schools in the district. With an estimated annual participation of around 7,500 students, this initiative aims to address gender disparities in STEM education, particularly in the field of robotics. It represents a critical step towards democratizing access to high-tech education, in line with modern workforce demands.
In North Vancouver, the district also received a grant of $25,000 to support the “Robotics for All: Building STEM Pathways through Teamwork, Coding, and Competition” project. This initiative is designed to enhance robotics clubs across all 26 elementary schools in the area, with the intention of pairing students with mentors and culminating in a district-wide robotics competition. This hands-on approach not only promotes skills in coding and engineering but also helps to cultivate teamwork and collaboration among young learners, essential traits in today’s interconnected world.
Beyond these larger projects, ten additional school districts across British Columbia were awarded grants of $10,000 each for their various innovative educational initiatives. These projects encompass a wide range of creative and technological themes, from digital storytelling and Indigenous education to the establishment of makerspaces and exploration of virtual reality technologies. Each project is uniquely tailored to meet both the academic and socio-cultural needs of the students within its respective context.
In the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, for example, students from Tatla Lake Elementary and Junior Secondary will work on a project named “Voices of the Valley: A Rural Youth Digital Newspaper.” This creative initiative aims to engage students as journalists, editors, and designers, offering them the opportunity to collaboratively publish multimedia newspapers using engaging digital tools, fostering literacy and communication skills in an increasingly digital age.
In Chilliwack, Promontory Heights Elementary’s project seeks to innovate teaching by expanding the school’s Makerspace with cutting-edge robotics kits and engineering tools. This endeavor focuses on hands-on, high-tech learning experiences that aim to inspire and equip future innovators with essential skills needed in a technology-driven society.
Delta’s Hawthorne Elementary has initiated a project titled “Stories the Land Remembers and Tells Today,” which aims to create a video-based curriculum centered around Indigenous hunting journeys. This curriculum will interweave biology, cultural studies, and reconciliation themes, integrating diverse perspectives to enrich the overall educational landscape.
In Vancouver, J.W. Sexsmith Elementary is launching “The Maker Mindset: Empowering Young Designers Through Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST).” This project will embed design thinking within classrooms, providing students with experiences in robotics, sewing, and cardboard engineering—skills that foster creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
Another innovative project is being set up at the South Slope/BC School for the Deaf and Cameron Elementary in Burnaby, where the aim is to turn libraries into vibrant storytelling hubs. The project, “Digital Storytelling in the Library Learning Commons,” will utilize various multimedia tools to enable K-12 students to create multimodal stories, promoting literacy and creativity through digital narratives.
Moreover, at Greenwood Elementary in Boundary, a project is in development that focuses on establishing a “3D Printing and Laser Cutting Lab.” This initiative aims to provide students with access to advanced design tools, facilitating learning in digital modeling, prototyping, and problem-solving—skills that are crucial in today’s economy.
Additionally, Cedar Hill Middle School in the Greater Victoria School District is engaged in a project that highlights Indigenous land-based learning through film, audio, and photography. Named “Landing Stories, A Digital Witness,” this initiative aims to involve students in documenting their educational experiences guided by Indigenous education leaders.
In Campbell River, Penfield Elementary’s “Our Stories, Our Strength: A Journey of Healing and Reconciliation” project aims to promote bilingual literacy through the co-creation of picture books in both English and a local Indigenous language. This collaboration offers students the chance to connect with their cultural heritage while fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by remote communities, Fort Nelson Secondary School’s “VR Learning Lab” project will introduce Class VR technology, enhancing learning experiences across various subjects. Students will have the opportunity to virtually explore museums and historical landmarks, bridging geographical barriers to education.
Lastly, Sea View Elementary in the Vancouver Island North district plans to establish a “Create Lab: A Student Innovation and Storytelling Studio.” This endeavor will integrate STEAM projects, allowing students to experiment within a makerspace while creating podcasts, videos, and prototypes that merge technology with literacy.
The Cmolik–SFU Grant Program embodies a progressive approach to education, one that aligns closely with modern technological advancements and prepares future generations for a rapidly evolving labor market. By investing in diverse STEAM initiatives, the program not only transforms educational environments but also fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation among students.
As these projects unfold across British Columbia, they serve as beacons of what is possible when educational institutions, communities, and funding bodies collaborate towards a common goal: the empowerment of students to thrive in an era defined by technological advancements and constant change.
Subject of Research: Technology in Education
Article Title: Empowering Future Innovators: British Columbia’s Investment in STEAM Education
News Publication Date: October 2023
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Keywords
STEAM Education, Technology in Schools, Innovative Learning, Robotics, Digital Storytelling, Educational Grants, British Columbia, Future Skills, Critical Thinking, Student Empowerment, Collaborative Learning, Indigenous Education.
