DIALOG Collaborates with Visions of Science to Inspire Youth Communities

February 23, 2023

As part of DIALOG’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, DIALOG partnered with Visions of Science to speak to young people from under-serviced and under-represented backgrounds on how they can create social change in their communities through design.

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, DIALOG’s Ramsey Leung, architect, and Jordyn Kent, structural engineering intern, had the opportunity to guest speak for 25 students at STEM Academy, an after-school support program held at Earnscliffe Senior Public School in Brampton, Ontario.

The session kicked off with presentations by Ramsey and Jordyn, each sharing their career journey. They talked about their interests and hobbies when they were young, education, roles at DIALOG, how their work impacts communities, and the challenges and successes they experienced along the way. They also gave students a look into projects they’ve worked on and their experience collaborating with different disciplines during the design process.

DIALOG’s Ramsey Leung and Jordyn Kent guest speak at Visions of Science’s STEM Academy program to inspire the youth to have greater involvement in building their communities.

Presentations by Jordyn and Ramsey on their career journey.

Student sketches and designs towers for other participants to bring to life.

Students work in teams to build out towers using only straws, cups, and rubber bands.

Following the presentation, Ramsey and Jordyn dedicated time for students to participate in activities to help them understand how designers practice in real life.

Students broke out into groups and were assigned to build the highest tower using only straws, cups, and rubber bands. The second activity required one team to design and sketch a tower. Then, using the same materials, the second team had to follow the sketch and bring the tower to life.

Thank you to Visions of Science and the student participants for bringing a wonderful energy to the discussion. A special thank you to DIALOG speakers Ramsey Leung and Jordyn Kent for connecting and inspiring the youth to help build and improve the wellbeing of their communities.

It was an important and inspiring day for me and for the students. This program left me feeling optimistic about the future leaders in STEM.

—Ramsey Leung

About Visions of Science

Visions of Science is a charitable organization that exists to advance the educational achievement and positive development of youth from low-income and marginalized communities through meaningful engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines through mentorship, accessibility, partnerships and developmental experiences.

The STEM Academy is an after-school support program that takes place at Earnscliffe Sr. Public School for youth participants from January to May. The program focuses on innovative STEM-based academic and development activities related to creating social change in the community.