The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (or STEM, for short), reach every corner of our world these days. All industries are being impacted by them. That includes the construction industry, where digital tools, automation, and emerging technologies are reshaping how projects are planned and built.

That’s why on February 21, Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) partnered with Bit Space Development, along with WISE Kid-Netic Energy —a University of Manitoba–based non-profit that delivers hands‑on STEM programming for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12—to host the ROOTS + STEM event. This grassroots initiative aimed to spark interest in STEM among Black youth and support their growth in fields that are increasingly intersecting with the construction industry.

In the same way that there are no limits on where STEM can reach, the event encouraged youth to dream big with their careers.

“A lot of people think it’s intimidating to be in STEM, so we’re here to break that barrier and tell youth that they can do it,” stated Esther Fadiya, one of the organizers. “We have a lot of Black university students here who are in STEM to encourage the youth and tell them what STEM is about.”

Participants got to hear from a variety of speakers including City of Winnipeg Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers and MCSC Community and Youth Liaison James Murphy.  Jennifer Ladipo, National Programs Manager for Actua, a leading Canadian organization unlocking the infinite potential of youth through STEM, also spoke about her work as an author who uses storytelling to help students make sense of complex STEM concepts.

“Looking at STEM occupations and employment opportunities, AI right now is revolutionizing the workspace,” noted Chambers of technology’s impacts, while also inspiring attendees by sharing his experience of being one of the few Black students in his school classes growing up.

MCSC Community and Youth Liaison James Murphy reflected on the deeper significance of investing in youth and creating pathways forward.

“As a person of colour who grew up in the southern United States during the civil rights era, this moment means something deeply personal to me,” Murphy remarked. “I have directly benefitted from the courage, sacrifice, and determination of those who stood up and demanded equality. Their fight created opportunities that many of us now have the privilege to step into. As Dr. Martin Luther King reminds us, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’. Those words still challenge us today to build, to innovate, and to build a world where opportunity belongs to everyone.”

The event aimed to inspire students through more than just sharing stories, though. They were introduced to some of the most advanced technology around and got to try their hands at flying drones and virtual reality, both of which are starting to be used in the construction sector for site mapping and project planning.

Enoch Akinjayeju and his sister Heritage, Grade 11 and Grade 9 students at Pembina Trails Collegiate respectively, were among the high school students in attendance. Both have aspirations of careers in STEM, with Enoch considering electrical engineering and Heritage interested in computer engineering.

For Enoch, wearing the virtual reality goggles was the highlight from the event.

“Getting to try out virtual reality really opened my eyes to what’s possible with technology,” Enoch noted.

Heritage felt the same.

“I thought virtual reality was all about games. I never knew you could use it to teach other things,” she said. “There are so many ways it can be used.”

Those kinds of realizations are what the day was all about. If students don’t know what’s possible with technology, they can’t dream about where it can take them.

Whether they enter the construction sector or not, that’s what Murphy wanted students to come away with.

“You are the next generation of innovators, creators, engineers, and fellow leaders,” he told the group. “The next breakthrough idea could come from someone in this room. All it takes is curiosity, courage, and the belief in your personal potential.”

As the construction industry continues to evolve through new technologies, events like ROOTS + STEM will no doubt ensure the next generation is prepared for those changes and positioned to lead them.