Our Story
NextGen STEAM Space was born from a powerful collaboration between three parents who shared a vision: transforming after-school hours into an adventure of discovery. Together, they combined deep educational expertise with a parent's understanding of what makes learning truly engaging for children from Kindergarten to Grade 5.
Meet the TeamMeet Our Founding Team
Leadership
Dr. Olivia New - Co-founder & Chief Academic OfficerAn accomplished STEAM educator and parent, Dr. New brings over 15 years of experience in transforming STEM education. As the founder of STEM ACES Education and a former UBC and Trinity Western University faculty member, she has developed innovative curricula that make complex concepts accessible and exciting for young minds. Her approach to student-centered learning forms the foundation of NextGen's unique program.
Ms. Vivia Xu - Co-founder & Education InnovatorA parent who recognized the untapped potential of after-school hours, Vivia brings her vision of creating engaging learning spaces that rival the excitement of video games.
Mr. Michael Chen - Co-founder & Learning Experience DesignerInspired by his own children's curiosity, Mike contributes his expertise in creating immersive, game-like learning environments that make education feel like an adventure.
Our Amazing Teachers
We're proud that our teaching team includes:Academic Excellence:
- Scientists and researchers with PhDs who make complex ideas simple and fun
- Award-winning educators who know how to spark curiosity
- Experts who stay current with the latest ways children learn
- Specialists who bring real-world science into the classroom
- Experience in supporting different learning styles
- Training in making learning inclusive and engaging
- Skills in building confidence through hands-on activities
- Expertise in nurturing young minds
- Small groups where every child gets personal attention
- Hands-on activities that make learning exciting
- Creative projects that build confidence
- Safe, supportive spaces where questions are celebrated
- Regular updates on your child's discoveries and progress
- Develop a love for learning through play and exploration
- Build confidence in problem-solving
- Make friends while working on fun projects
- Learn at their own pace in a nurturing environment
- Get excited about science and discovery!
- Access to a network of notable STEAM leaders and mentors offering reference letters and ongoing support beyond the program
This blend of visionary leadership and academic expertise ensures our students receive world-class STEAM education that prepares them for future success.
Our Vision
"To transform after-school hours into an engaging learning experience where every child becomes a passionate explorer of STEAM, guided by proven educational expertise and delivered with a parent's understanding."
What Sets Us Apart
Research-backed curriculum designed by education experts (BC National Curricula Aligned)
Learning disguised as play
Project-based discovery approach
Small group dynamics
Monthly STEAM Fair celebrations
Student-driven exploration
Technology-enhanced learning
Real-world problem solving
Together
"our founding team combines deep academic expertise with practical parent experience to create an after-school program that truly understands what children need to thrive."
Our STEAM Week Journey
🔬 Science Superheroes Monday
- Guided by Dr. New's expertise in chemistry & scientific inquiry
- Hands-on experiments and real laboratory experiences
- Investigation of living things, matter, and energy
- Building scientific thinking skills through discovery
💻 Tech Explorers Tuesday
- Digital literacy through playful exploration
- Coding fundamentals with kid-friendly tools
- Robotics and simple programming challenges
- Digital documentation of scientific discoveries
⚡ Engineering Wednesday: Design & Discover
- Engineering design challenges
- Problem-solving through creative construction
- Building and testing innovative solutions
- Collaborative project development
🎨 Creative Creatures Thursday
- Where art meets science
- Visual storytelling of scientific concepts
- Mixed media exploration
- Technology-enhanced creative expression
🔢 Math Explorers Friday
- Discovering the world through numbers
- Real-world mathematical challenges
- Pattern recognition and problem-solving
- Interactive mathematical modeling
Transform After School into Discovery Time
Monthly STEAM Fair Showcase (Last Friday) Join us for our monthly celebration of discovery where students:
- Present their monthly projects
- Demonstrate new skills
- Share their learning journey
- Connect with family and community
- Receive recognition for their achievements
Monthly Showcases: Building Towards Bigger Dreams
We prepare students to become confident innovators who can showcase their ideas on bigger stages. Our monthly STEAM Fairs develop the skills needed to participate in prestigious events like the Youth Innovation Showcase and potentially appear on platforms like CTV Morning Live.
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Think Like an Inventor!
Show and Tell Like a Star!
Build and Test Cool Ideas!
Present Like a Champion!
Our goal is to prepare students for future opportunities while celebrating their current achievements in a supportive environment.
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Each day's adventure builds toward our monthly STEAM Fair, where students showcase their discoveries and innovations to family and community members in a celebration of learning.
Our Innovation Journey
Registration & Program Information
1. Discover NextGen STEAM
- Attend our Taster Session (Next session: TBD)
- Tour our learning spaces
- Meet our expert educators
- Experience sample activities
2. What's Included |
3. Program Calendar 2025 |
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4. Registration Options |
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Download Links |
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NGSTEAM_AfterSchoolApplicationForm.pdf
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Our Community
