Founded in 2004 and registered as a charity in 2015, Visions of Science Network for Learning (VOS) runs science, technology, engineering, and math-based programs (STEM) in poor and marginalized communities for kids in kindergarten to Grade 12. VOS addresses underachievement and underrepresentation of youth from poor communities in STEM fields. The charity has identified three main barriers to entry for these youth: limited financial capacity, negative perceptions about STEM-related careers, and limited access to meaningful STEM opportunities. Visions of Science runs Community STEM Clubs, a STEM Community Leaders program, an in-school enrichment program, and summer learning camps to eliminate these barriers and provide free, accessible and consistent STEM learning programs within the community. VOS reports engaging over 500 youth annually through its programs.

Vision of Science’s flagship program is its Community STEM Clubs. F2017 engagement was the largest yet: over 300 students from 19 communities participated. Survey results from 196 participants show that after finishing the program, 82% report an increased interest in STEM and 79% have a better understanding of STEM. Community STEM Clubs run across the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area, with weekly workshops and activities over a 7-month term. Clubs are free, for students in grades 3 to 8, and priority is given to those living directly within VOS meeting space communities. Activities include hands-on STEM experiments, field trips to educational centers like Ontario Science Centre and local universities, workshops, and community events.

VOS launched the STEM Community Leaders program (SCL) in F2017 with a successful pilot year. Nineteen youth aged 14 to 18 from 9 communities took part. SCL offers immersive hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and mentorship to students. It was launched based on the retention rate of VOS’ Community STEM Clubs.  Survey results from 17 participants show that after finishing the program, 94% of participants had increased confidence in pursuing post-secondary education, and 94% increased their knowledge of STEM careers.

VOS also runs Summer Learning Camps for children in grades 3 to 6. With this program, VOS aims to reach youth who do not participate in Community STEM Clubs. In F2017, VOS partnered with the Lay-Up Youth Basketball program as part of its summer programming.

Visions of Science is a small charity, with donations and special events fundraising of $334k in F2017. Administrative costs are 7% of total revenue and fundraising costs are 4% of donations. Per dollar donated to VOS, $0.89 goes toward its programs, falling well within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. The charity’s funding reserves of $43k can cover only 10% of annual program costs, indicating a funding need.

This charity report is an update sent for review to Visions of Science. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on October 23, 2018 by Katie Khodawandi.