STEAM (Not just “STEM”)

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). When we first opened our existing STEAM lab, we imagined the possibilities for our students. Even with the high hopes we had, we could not have imagined how the students would make the most of the tools at their fingertips.

In each of the years since opening the lab, we've had more than 10% of our graduating class go on to study engineering at university. In that time, we’ve also had three LFA students win the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship. Only 100 of these engineering scholarships, valued at $100,000 and more, are given out across Canada each year.

It is typical to see a reference to STEM in the education world. While a STEM and a STEAM lab are similar, LFA was deliberate to include the "A" and invest in the additional tools needed to include "Arts". Doing so is both philosophical and deliberate. Foremost, we value offering the most well-rounded education possible. To that end, we believe strongly that fostering creativity in all its forms best serves our students.

For more than seventy years, students at LFA have used the same sewing room. Still a fantastically valuable life skill, what's become abundantly clear is that fashion and textiles have become an important industry and career path for many. Our students are pursuing academic study at Canada's top fashion and design schools. In the past few years, nearly a dozen LFA alumnae have gone to the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and to various creative and fashion programs at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). 

The cross-over between textiles and our STEAM lab is, in many ways, the most obvious link between the lab and cross-curricular opportunities. The laser cutter can intricately cut cloth, and the creative use of CAD software offers new possibilities and modern design experiences. Traditional sewing machines will sit alongside modern technology. At its heart, we are putting relevant tools in the hands of creative young minds. LFA’s STEAM “hub” will transform learning and discovery at the school. More girls will have more hands-on opportunities to learn more skills.