City of Kingston and BGC South East partner again for second edition of Jr. Mayor’s Innovation Challenge

The City of Kingston is proud to announce the return of the Jr. Mayor’s Innovation Challenge, in partnership with BGC South East (Boys and Girls Club), for its second consecutive year. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, this renewed collaboration continues to empower local youth to become innovators, problem-solvers, and community leaders. 

Registration is now open for the 12-week program, running from April 2 to June 18. Youth aged 10 to 14 will take part in hands-on learning focused on solving real-world community challenges, with sessions held on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

The program takes place at the STEM & Robotics Centre, a leading-edge 9,000-square-foot facility located in the Frontenac Mall that delivers technology, robotics, entrepreneurship, and innovation programming to more than 2,000 youth each year. As the largest facility of its kind in the region, it features a Makerspace with 3D printers, a laser cutter, and hand tools; a computer lab with 15 high-performance workstations; a full-size competitive robotics field; and classrooms designed for hands-on learning.  

Inspired by the City of Kingston’s long-running Mayor’s Innovation Challenge, this youth-focused initiative guides participants through the engineering design process, helping them transform ideas into meaningful solutions. Working in teams and supported by engineers and educators, students learn critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, and project management skills. 

“The Jr. Mayor’s Innovation Challenge reflects our commitment to investing in young people and giving them meaningful opportunities to shape the future of our city,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “We are thrilled to partner once again with BGC to deliver this impactful program and to see the creativity and passion our youth bring to solving community challenges.” 

BGC plays a key role in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where participants can explore innovation, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. 

“Last year, we saw youth take on serious community challenges with bold, practical ideas, from a robot designed to clean up park waste to an AI assisted triage tool for medical clinics,” said Bruna Guarino Moraes, Associate Director of STEM and Strategic Initiatives at BGC South East. “Young people do not see big problems as barriers. When we give them the right tools and support, they show they are more than capable of building real solutions. We are grateful to partner with the City again to continue creating these opportunities for youth.” 

Throughout the program, participants identify local issues, develop creative solutions, build and test prototypes and manage projects from concept to completion. In the final phase, students refine their presentation skills and prepare to pitch their ideas to the Mayor, City officials, and industry professionals at a final showcase. 

The Jr. Mayor’s Innovation Challenge offers youth an opportunity to explore engineering, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement while making a positive impact in Kingston. 

For more information and to register, visit: https://bgcka.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=14635