Science Rendezvous STEM Outreach Program

Science Rendezvous is Canada’s largest free, annual STEM outreach festival, held each May in partnership with universities, colleges, research institutes, museums, and industry. Rather than a traditional scored contest, it’s a nationwide public science day featuring hands-on experiments, lab tours, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits designed to make science and engineering accessible and exciting. High school students typically participate as volunteers, presenters, or youth leaders supporting activities run by local universities or community partners, rather than as competitors. In some locations, there may be small challenges, demos, or project showcases for youth, but the core event is outreach-focused, not a formal competition. Participating gives students exposure to cutting‑edge research, opportunities to network with scientists and engineers, and experience in science communication and community engagement—valuable for future STEM studies and applications. Students interested in getting involved usually connect through nearby host institutions (such as a local university’s outreach office or science department) that recruit volunteers and student presenters for their city’s Science Rendezvous site.