Underrepresented students — including female, rural, BIPOC, socio-economically disadvantaged, and first-generation students — continue to face many barriers to pursuing a career in STEM. In Alberta, work is still needed to remove the systemic issues that continue to affect the attraction, retention and long-term success of underrepresented students in STEM fields. Limited funds and positions impact the type of students who get to participate in hands-on learning.

We believe that the Science Experiential Skills Advantage program (SESA) will reduce and eliminate barriers to experiential and hands-on learning for students, where these skills will support society in moving toward a more fair and sustainable economic system. Experiences like this will remove barriers for underrepresented groups and underrepresented research areas, ultimately bringing these equity-deserving groups up and through the post-secondary system, and driving success and innovation.

Together, we will remove the systemic barriers for all undergraduate students and give them the opportunity to experience the excitement of scientific discovery firsthand. Let’s enable a force of motivated and enthusiastic next generation of scientists, and give them the tools so they feel confident to grow and participate within the institution and in industry.



Giving Day - Faculty of Science

* Up to $100,000 will be matched across Giving Day
* Single gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $2,500. Any single gifts exceeding $2,500 will be matched at $2,500.
* The match stays with the specific fund the donation went to, meaning the cause you give to will have even more support thanks to you!