Every child deserves the chance to discover the wonder of STEM, regardless of where they live or their school's resources.
Thanks to the generous support of the Tait Foundation, that vision a reality for students across Canterbury.
By funding a dedicated outreach van and fully subsidised outreach experiences for eligible primary schools, the Tait Foundation is helping remove barriers to high-quality STEM education. Together, Science Alive and Tait Foundation are taking hands-on science directly into classrooms. From the Discovery Dome to Big Reactions: Fire and Ice, sessions are designed to excite and inspire all while providing curriculum aligned, quality learning experiences.
There are 56 schools across Canterbury with an Equity Index (EQI) of 448 and above that are eligible to receive a fully funded day of Science Alive outreach.
As of June 2026, the programme has already reached 18 schools, inspiring 2,852 students through immersive STEM learning experiences that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Behind every outreach visit is a journey. So far this year, our outreach team has travelled 3,749 kilometres, visiting schools from Cheviot in the north to Glenavy in the south. Our purpose-built outreach van allows us to transport specialist equipment safely and efficiently, ensuring every school, no matter its location, receives the same high-quality, hands-on STEM experience in their own classroom.
We wanted to ensure that we showcased not only engaging science activities, but created bigger opportunities to build confidence and highlight to young people that STEM is something they can see themselves in.
We're incredibly proud to be delivering this impact alongside the Tait Foundation. Together, we're helping ensure that geography or financial circumstances don't determine a child's access to inspiring STEM education, and we're excited to continue reaching even more schools and students across Canterbury throughout the rest of the year!
Join us on our mission.
Feeling inspired by this story? There are many ways you can make a difference. Whether through support or partnership, big or small, you can help expand access to high-quality STEM learning for tamariki across Aotearoa.