ABOUT US
LAUNCH Waterloo is a not-for-profit organization that designs and delivers science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) programs for children and youth in grades K-12.
LAUNCH programs make STEAM learning fun and accessible to all. In our programs, children explore their creativity and curiosity while developing their critical thinking and collaboration skills in a supportive, team environment.
It’s about:
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Learning essential skills for the future together through fun and unique STEAM-based activities.
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Putting the TEAM in STEAM through creative programs, events, and resources.
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Making STEAM a new sport!
We’re transforming traditional STEAM programming from one-day or one-week touchpoints to long-term, progressive, fun recreational programs.
Littles League
For kids in grades K-2
Littles League is designed for our youngest teammates; grades K-2. The program introduces STEAM concepts through stories. Each week, coaches read a STEAM-themed story with participants and undertake hands-on activities related to the book.
LAUNCH offers three primary programs:
STEAM League Junior
For kids in grades 2-3
STEAM League Junior begins to bring the minor sport model to STEAM. Children in grades 2-3 join STEAM teams, meet for weekly “practices” and compete in team challenges on STEAM topics.
Our STEAM programs surround children and youth with a supportive community of coaches and cheering parents. Because at LAUNCH, we believe STEAM programs should be as fun and engaging as hockey, dance, gymnastics, or soccer.
STEAM League
For youth in grades 4-8
STEAM League brings youth in grades 4-8 together for fun and interactive team-based activities and challenges. Participants gain critical thinking and teamwork skills while learning about various STEAM topics.
ABOUT LAUNCH PROGRAMS
WHY LAUNCH?
STEAM careers are the future:
STEAM jobs are projected to grow 10.8% between 2022 and 2032, almost 5x faster than non-STEAM jobs. And STEAM education is found to improve skills in collaboration, creativity, socializing, critical thinking, and much more.
But there are gender and diversity gaps in STEAM:
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Women are nearly four times less likely to be employed in tech jobs than men.
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While 7.8 percent of all employed men in Canada work in technology-intensive occupations, only 2.1 percent of all employed women are in these occupations (Hays, 2021).
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Only 4.13 percent of the Indigenous labour force has post-secondary education in STEM compared with 10.36 percent of non-Indigenous Canadians (Statistics Canada, 2016).
WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT:
Provide mentorship
A Microsoft research study found that having an encouraging teacher who “communicates about STEM is associated with girls being an average +21 points more interested in all STEM subjects compared to those girls who do not.”
Act now and start young
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Students from 11 to 17 have a natural interest in STEM, according to a Randstad study:
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“84% enjoy working on computers, 73% enjoy science class, 60% enjoy math most of the time, and 54% say science is one of their favourite subjects."
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"Interest in STEM lessens with age 11-to-14-year olds are 18% more likely than students aged 15-17 to consider math as a favourite subject.”
MEET OUR STAFF
Amanda
Program Manager
Hi everyone! My name is Amanda. I'm a student studying to become a pharmacist so I can help people take medications safely. I love exploring things like the chemistry (the science of matter) behind baking and finding ways to make new, delicious creations.
I look forward to exploring STEAM with everyone this season!
Chantal
Operations Manager
Hi, I'm Chantal! I'm usually hiding out in the office or working from home as I manage all things LAUNCH.
You might see me now and then at LAUNCH events or helping out with programming at our various locations.
Samantha
Curriculum Development Lead
Hi everyone! My name is Samantha. I've been working with LAUNCH for almost a year and have a passion for everything STEAM! I love hanging out with kids and love coaching!
In my spare time you'll find me doing fibre arts. Do you know what that is? Basically anything that involves working with fibres, such as crocheting, sewing, knitting, embroidery - the perfect way to bring my math brain and my artsy brain together!
Jenelle
Club Manager
Hi, I'm Jenelle! I help our club run smoothly and ensure all our amazing kids are registered in their favourite programs.
If you haven't guessed yet, I love bunnies, and also dogs! My dog, Beau, loves to come work with me at the office!
MEET OUR BOARD
Tobi Day-Hamilton
Co-founder, Executive Director
LAUNCH is my passion project. After an amazing career working with world-leading companies, universities, researchers and more, I'm thrilled that our vision for LAUNCH is coming to life. In 2018, when we started LAUNCH, we wanted to inspire kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math because we knew these were the areas of the future. Today, we've welcomed hundreds of kids to our teams and I can't wait to see what they do next!
I am also a Governor with the Grand River Hospital Foundation, a board member for the Canadian Association of Science Centres, a Regional Co-chair for the 2021 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and I seek adventure at every turn.
OUR SPONSORS
LAUNCH programs reach children and youth to inspire them to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Our sponsors help us remove barriers and ensure all kids have the opportunity to participate.
In partnership with
With funding from
Thank you to our sponsors
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