Science Quest is a not-for-profit organization operating on the campus of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Science Quest strives to engage and empower youth, from ages 4 to 17, through our educational in-classroom workshops, summer camps, school-year sessions, and LIT program. All of these programs work towards sparking an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among the 5000+ youth we reach annually.
Our Mission
Science Quest seeks to empower youth in STEM by breaking down socioeconomic barriers to facilitate growth and learning. Through fun and engaging workshops and camps, Science Quest sparks scientific interest by erasing stigma and demonstrating the real world applications of STEM.
Mandate of Science Quest
To introduce university to children as a non-threatening institution, by exposing them to the engineering laboratories and facilities at Queen’s.
To offer a program to children of elementary school age in the Kingston area which will stimulate and foster an interest and appreciation for science, engineering, and technology.
To provide the opportunity for all children to experience science first-hand regardless of background, aptitude, or gender.
To provide programming for participants regardless of their financial situation or academic background.
To provide role models in STEM fields, particularly in engineering.
Our History
Founded in 1988 by Jennifer Howard and Miye Cox (nee Kadonaga), two female Queen’s University engineering students, Science Quest has had 28 years of unparalleled success in Kingston and the surrounding area. During these years, Science Quest has worked tirelessly to increase in size and improve quality, and is now widely respected and well known all across Southern Ontario.
Science Quest is run through the Engineering Society of Queen’s University, and is a 100% student-run organization. All of our instructors are undergraduate students who are extremely passionate about sharing their love of STEM programming with youth. New programming is developed by our awesome and knowledgeable instructor team every year, ensuring it is completely unique and representative of our staff’s interests.
Science Quest is also one of the founding members of Actua, a nationally-recognized charitable organization which reaches over 225,000 youth per year in 500 communities across Canada.
Since our founding, other universities have developed their own science camps, using Science Quest as their example. One such camp is the University of Waterloo’s “Engineering Science Quest!”
Science Quest Through the Decades
Science Quest’s original summer crew from left to right- Jennifer Howard, Gunar Penikis, and Miye Cox (nee Kadonaga)- jumping for joy due to the success of the launch of Science Quest’s first ever summer in 1988.
The Early Days of Science Quest
2025 Staff
Director Team
Head Director: Emre Karaman ([email protected])
Business and Operations Director: Alara Haskan ([email protected])
Workshops Director: Jenna McBride ([email protected])
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors!
