Creative Encounters Volunteer works with a student in the computer lab.

About Creative Encounters

30 Years of Inspiring Curiosity

For the past 30 years Creative Encounters has been leading youth programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Based at the University of Guelph, our mission is to inspire, support and spark curiosity in the minds of youth, encouraging them to become innovative, problem-solving students of today and knowledgeable, visionary individuals of tomorrow.

A key part of this mission is to improve gender equity in STEM education. We actively work to remove barriers and create spaces where girls and underrepresented youth in STEM feel welcome, inspired and valued. Our team is committed to creating a culture where every participant can thrive.

Proud Actua Member

Creative Encounters is proud to be a network member of Actua, Canada's largest STEM learning organization. Actua represents over 40 universities and colleges across Canada, delivering hands-on STEM programming to youth in every province and territory. Each year, the Actua network engages over 500,000 youth in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence.

Inclusivity Statement

Creative Encounters firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with STEM in a fun, engaging, and safe manner, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, size, religion, ethnicity, or ability. We promote safe and inclusive spaces, and are always open to adapting our programs to ensure everyone can have a chance to explore science, technology, engineering and math. We are not all the same and that is our biggest strength; we thank you for helping us grow and encourage any feedback on how we can make our programming as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Land Acknowledgement

The University of Guelph resides on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We recognize this gathering place where we work and learn is home to many past, present, and future First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Our acknowledgement of the land is our declaration of our collective responsibility to this place and its peoples’ histories, rights, and presence. The University of Guelph supports and adds our collective voice to the “CALLS TO ACTION” from the Truth and Reconciliation Committee on Indian Residential School to never forget, to hold governments and colonial forces to account, to seek redress and healing for injustice.

At Creative Encounters we also believe it is important to pair acknowledgment with real tangible actions, and so, we are proud to be partnering with Anishnaabeg Outreach to offer InSTEM programming, and are on a continuous journey of making space for Indigenous voices in STEM.