The NVC is an Ontario-based non-profit organization that provides inclusive and equitable STEM programs for underrepresented youth in grades 7 to 12. Founded six years ago by four friends (IT engineers, William & Prince Mulongo), education science (Tina Murielle), and human resources, project management and counselling (Daddy Mavinga), the organization’s mission is to remove barriers and empower young people in digital technology and STEM skills.  NVC has built a strong reputation and a history of successful partnerships with industry, academic, and community partners. These collaborations have helped bridge the gap in access to STEM education for underserved populations. The leadership team consists of five staff members today who handle executive leadership (Daddy), partnerships (Tina), program development (Williams & Prince), and marketing (Jonathan Maurice).  Daddy Mavinga, a co-founder and Executive Director, is responsible for the coordination the program.  NTC is requiring all new employees to complete Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) training to support their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. NVC is also relying on science and technology undergraduate students, as well as a pool of trained volunteers, who reflect the demographic of the target audience.  Teams are well trained:  safety,  first aid, cultural awareness, bias awareness, classroom management.

Since our founding in 2019, NVC has grown steadily (National Capital Region) in the number and versatility of programs.  We have provided outreach to over 3,800 youth in Ontario and Quebec, spent over 36,000 hours on STEM learning.  Our programs are sustainable, ongoing, and activities are increasing, requiring to upgrade our delivery teams. Our team actively participates in public speaking and networking to share our impact and support STEM advocacy, and serves as panelists at conferences, collaborates with sister organizations to share best practices in STEM.  NVC is now expanding to other geographic areas (ON & QC).

Our goal is to ignite motivation and interest in STEM among middle-school-aged students, encouraging them to pursue STEM studies and careers.  After attending our camps, many students express their excitement about pursuing “STEM” in college or university. 

NVC uses a multi-platform approach to amplify its voice and advocate for STEM education. We engage with a broad audience through our social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok. Our digital content promotes STEM initiatives, advocates for change, and celebrates student achievements both within and outside our programs.   To further our mission, we are currently developing new digital resources: a YouTube channel to engage youth with relatable STEM content; a blog to provide parents and teachers with valuable STEM resources and share success stories.