Conversation Cafes
Conversation Cafes (CC) are for students that may not have the opportunities or resources to explore their place in STEM. The CC focuses on providing Rural, Indigenous, and other students who face barriers the opportunity to engage with STEM role models. CC are free 60-minute interactive mentoring sessions that engage with junior and high school students of all backgrounds where they can ask questions and engage with role models, allowing them to explore STEM identities, envision themselves within STEM fields and see the diverse opportunities in STEM careers.
The focus of the CC is to create spaces where students are inspired and see themselves in STEM as they are. The sessions are built around cultural and context-specific themes, allowing participants to engage deeply with relevant traditions, practices, and perspectives unique to their community. The goal is to allow students to see the diversity of STEM that allows them to see themselves in the mentors they engage with and create enhanced perceptions of who can thrive in STEM education and careers. The CC initiative is open to all students, and our team can also create sessions for specific groups of students.
Conversation Cafes are hosted from September to June, they must be requested 3 calendar weeks in advance (~15 business days).
If you are a teacher and would like request a cafe for your class or group, please sign-up using the button below
Request a Conversation Cafe
If you would like to volunteer as a mentor for the cafes, please sign-up using the button below
If you have any further questions about the Conversation Cafes please contact wisest.outreach@ualberta.ca