19 local low-income youth, 12 to 18 years of age, impacted by diagnosis of life-threatening illness, will attend a free ½ day workshop at NewMakeIt in Newmarket, where they will learn basic engineering/electronic concepts, and participate in simple experiments. Youth will be identified by social workers, physicians, caseworkers or parents as benefiting from this program socially, emotionally and academically.

Youth fall behind in school and rapidly changing technology. They also experience social isolation. Hence, risk is high for resulting depression, life-long childhood mental health repercussions and poverty that does not resolve. This program recognizes this serious gap, allowing youth to assimilate back into a regular social life, have some fun and learn about science, technology and math. Many are hungry to engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).

Unfortunately, parents can no longer afford to pay for such activities due to income loss and unexpected medical costs. This means youth, without intervention, easily fall behind with academics, technology and social skills. This is where a partnership between Shine Through the Rain Foundation and NewMakeIt come in with the new AWESOME FOUNDATION STEM Program (sub-program of Camp Scholarships).

All youth are negatively impacted by diagnosis of life-threatening illness in the family whether they are the patient, a sibling, or child of a diagnosed parent.

“Good school re-entry practices are associated with improved academic performance, mental health, quality of life, school engagement, and peer relationships…However, creating opportunities for training can be a challenge…” (www.researchgate.net/figure/Academic-achievement-of-children-with-cancer-and-the-effect-of-school-re-entry-programmes_fig1_265514397)

As program lead and registered charity (#891881005RR0001) Shine Through the Rain Foundation) will receive the donation, then appropriately disperse to NewMakeIt as each child registers