IMPACT AND REACH (40%)
Impact of programs on target groups:
Post-program surveys are used to evaluate the success of the programs, gathering feedback from participants, educators, and parents. The surveys measure satisfaction levels, participation numbers, and overall interest in the activities. A key focus of the evaluation is to gauge whether the programs motivate participants to study or pursue a career in STEM. According to the 2023 survey results, the programs have a significant impact: 82% of participants reported an increased interest in STEM; 71% of participants expressed interest in a STEM career after taking part in the program..
NVC’s program effectiveness is measured through a clear evaluation. Evaluation Process includes the following:
- Participant Feedback: Evaluation forms are used to gather feedback from participants on the program and the performance of coordinators and mentors.
- Staff Evaluation: The Program Director evaluates the performance of the NVC coordinators, who then evaluate the mentors on their respective teams.
- Student Engagement: Program staff continuously monitor student engagement and adjust sessions to ensure a fun, inclusive, and participatory environment
- Feedback from parents and the wider community is also collected to identify areas for continuous improvement.
Target audience
NVC programs are focused on students and learners of all genders, targeting participants between the ages of 7-18 years old.
NVC’s programs are open to students residing in the National Capital Region. For 2026-28, NVC is expanding its programs in Ontario and in Quebec
Target sites for on-site sessions are chosen based on their proximity to post-secondary institutions from which mentors may be staffed. Programs are also chosen on their proximity with industries and known underserved areas (low income communities).
Focus on under-represented groups:
NVC is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcoming all participants, regardless of their background or language. In 2025, we began offering our programs in both English and French, successfully translating all our science experiments, website content, and video materials. We actively foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our teaching strategies. Our program curriculum is designed to be representative of the racial, ethnic, and gender-based experiences of underrepresented groups, making the content more relatable and inspiring for our participants.
NVC’s programs are designed to serve minority and racialized students, demographics that have been historically underrepresented in post-secondary science and engineering. The organization primarily operates in areas with marginalized students who have limited access to STEM programs. By expanding to new geographic areas, NVC aims to include additional communities, such as Indigenous and rural populations, and will incorporate Indigenous knowledge and values into its programming.
Focus on the natural sciences and engineering
The camps introduce youth to higher order and fun hardware applications to make software engineering more engaging and accessible to all.
Differences from other groups (i.e., originality/creativity)
Many introductory coding programs for kids use visual, “point and click” interfaces that are great for generating initial interest. However, these programs often lack the depth needed to develop true coding skills. Our camps go further by providing an in-depth exploration of core coding concepts. We offer a high-quality, cutting-edge curriculum taught by college faculty and students. Our programming is focused on interactive activities, practical demonstrations, creativity, labs.