Toronto, ON – July 15, 2025: Afro Canadian Development Inc. (ACD) is proud to announce the continuation of its free STEM Program for Children and Youth for the period of July to December 2025, made possible through the generous support of CIBC Foundation, The Rotary Club of Toronto and its Charitable Foundation, and iA Financial Group.
Now in its third consecutive year, this program has become a cornerstone initiative for children and youth from underserved, low-income, and newcomer communities across the Greater Toronto Area. Since its launch in 2023, the STEM Program has ignited passion, confidence, and possibility in over 400 young participants, many of whom come from families who have faced barriers to extracurricular learning, technology, and enrichment due to their financial circumstances.
Delivered in collaboration with Ultimate Coders, the program offers weekly hands-on coding and robotics sessions to children and youth aged 6 to 18. Using industry-relevant platforms like Scratch, Python, and Arduino, participants not only build foundational STEM skills but also develop confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities essential for success in today’s digital world.
“This program is more than just about learning to code. It’s about sparking dreams, building confidence, and giving every child regardless of their background – a chance to discover their potential,” said Emmanuel Animodi, Director of Afro Canadian Development Inc. “Thanks to our supportive funders, we’re giving hundreds of young minds a gateway into the world of innovation and possibility.”
Over the past three years, the STEM Program has helped break systemic barriers to learning by creating safe, inclusive spaces where children from racialized and underserved communities can begin to see themselves as future engineers, programmers, inventors, and changemakers. It has played a vital role in fostering representation and equity in the STEM pipeline – one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand sectors in Canada.
“My twin boys are fascinated by robotics now. It’s a fun, engaging way to prepare them for the future,” shared one parent.
“As a single mom, I could never afford programs like this. My son now wants to be an engineer—thank you for helping him dream,” added another parent.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our 2025 funders – CIBC Foundation, The Rotary Club of Toronto and its Charitable Foundation, and iA Financial Group – for believing in the vision of STEM education for all.
We also recognize and appreciate our ongoing partner, Ultimate Coders for their continued excellence in delivering hands-on, engaging instruction that makes STEM learning both fun and meaningful.
Visit our STEM Program page for details, upcoming session dates, and free registration.
Let’s continue building a more inclusive, innovative future – one child at a time.