Minds-On Information

Minds-On is a registered charity that operates as a free drop-in educational centre for underserved communities. Through accessible and engaging STEAM projects, our program helps address inequity by promoting critical thinking, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills. Under the leadership of Kalil Shaw and Clayton Jeffrey, Minds-On effectively works as a learning and teaching space for students in challenging environments. Our program is labeled 'Drop in' only to indicate that there is no strict enrolment or application process for the program. Students are encouraged to be advocates for their own progress and learning rather than forced to participate. Activities conducted during each session, however, are planned ahead of time and often related to particular concepts or math strands each week. These lessons are provided through collaboration between local school board certified teachers, industry professionals, and university student volunteers. We also explore and create opportunities for high school and intermediate students to demonstrate leadership abilities in the community in addition to parents of the community to contribute to the process. While providing needed academic enrichment, our seminars and events also promote cultural and social awareness. We work to combat disengagement while promoting self-confidence, life skills, and a growth mindset within a supervised setting. We also provide a crucial opportunity for educators to delve deeper into the environment of their students. Understanding students' backgrounds, cultures, circumstances, and barriers reduce teacher bias and poor assumptions and promotes student achievement and success. At Minds-On, we recognize the importance of delivering programs directly to the communities that need them most. We are committed to inspiring our youth to pursue excellence in any environment.