STEAM PEI

Amber Jadis knows that when it comes to helping young people unlock their potential, a little inspiration can go a long way.

“As a child, I always enjoyed math, science and technology and I also really liked reading and crafts,” Jadis recalls. “But I had never heard the word ‘engineer’ until Don MacEwen, a UPEI Engineering professor, came to visit my class in Grade 11. Right then and there, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

The encounter prompted Jadis to pursue a successful career as an electrical engineer… but she knew there was more to be done to get under-represented groups of PEI students excited about STEAM.

Today, Jadis is the founder and CEO of STEAM PEI, a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire young Islanders to pursue learning and careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. 

“We want to help kids develop competencies like critical thinking, communication, creativity, and diversity of perspective,” says Jadis, adding that these types of skills lead to better personal resiliency, problem solving, and more opportunities in life.

She points out that STEAM can also lead to more opportunities for the region.

“Increasing participation in STEAM-based learning is good for PEI, as the world shifts to more of a knowledge-based economy to solve today’s more complex problems.”

“We would love to see more Islanders enter STEAM careers- especially underrepresented youth, including Indigenous youth, Girls, French youth, Black youth, youth with different abilities, and youth residing in rural areas.”

Making space for STEAM

Jadis launched STEAM PEI as a solo venture in 2018, operating out of her home office and vehicle.  Today, the organization has established a permanent home base in the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils building in downtown Charlottetown, with 11 full time team members  - and up to 30 during the summer months.

“ACOA was very instrumental in the development of STEAM PEI’s Etl-kisite’tasik Makerspace,” acknowledges Jadis. She shares that the Mi’kmaq word Etl-kisite’tasik (pronounced et L gi see day da sick) means to be in the process of an ‘aha’ moment.

The 3200 square foot facility is a vibrant, inclusive, welcoming space that gives Islanders the equipment, education, and materials to create, innovate and build new skills – like 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, robotics, sewing, and much more.

“Thanks to ACOA support, we were able to design and fit-up our new space with specialized equipment, furniture and fixtures, hire and retain new STEAM Team Members, and develop a new website, signage and online marketing to promote our programs and the new Makerspace,” she says. “ACOA also helped us engage Indigenous students with specialized programs.”

Making space for all

Jadis and her team recognize that diversity is an essential building block for a strong, inclusive future that benefits all Islanders - and it is a cornerstone for STEAM PEI.

“Building a diverse team is very important to us. We are role models for future generations, and we want to represent the under-represented,” she affirms. “Our current staff includes STEM-educated women, LGBTQIA+, Indigenous, and BIPOC team members. Our team also represents 5 continents, 9 countries and has the capability to deliver programs in 5 different languages.”

Jadis knows that amazing things happen with different ideas, skills and passions collide. She points out that while similar organizations tend to focus on one particular STEM-related area - such as coding or climate science - STEAM PEI encourages participants to explore all aspects of STEAM.

 “Our STEAM Team are encouraged to bring their passions in whatever areas of science, technology, engineering, art and/or math to share with youth. So we have a computer science team member who loves coding and video game design, but also recently learned to knit and brought her knitting to summer camp. The kids were quite curious, and also wanted to learn to knit. She related knitting to binary code: knit and purl = 1’s and 0’s. Then we have a bioscience graduate who loves theatre and is fascinated by mold. An architect who likes to sew. An engineer who loves 3D modelling and playing guitar. At STEAM PEI we get to do all of that for a wide range of ages from pre-K to Grade 12 and beyond.”

STEAM: empowering the next generation

Jadis emphasizes that STEAM is more than the sum of its parts.

 “It’s more than the surface-level subjects of science, technology, engineering, art and math. STEAM is an avenue through which to practice problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, persistence, collaboration, and communication – and those are the skills I really want to see our young ones building!”

And her ‘STEAM” vision for the future?

“I aspire to see all PEI youth have the opportunity to explore a wide range of STEAM possibilities and be supported to deep-dive into the areas where their curiosity draws them.”