STEM skills aren’t just for scientists. Perseverance and problem-solving are skills that serve students in every aspect of life, no matter their career path.

Pursue STEM – A Solution to a Problem

The Pursue STEM program began with a powerful mission: to close the opportunity gap for Black youth in advanced technology and STEM fields. For generations, structural barriers — such as unequal access to quality education, a lack of diverse role models, and systemic bias — have prevented many talented Black students from entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. On top of these systemic challenges, socioeconomic factors have limited opportunities for Black youth to access enrichment programs, internships, and extracurricular activities — key stepping stones to building confidence and expertise in STEM. These combined challenges have not only shaped the digital divide, but have also sustained cycles of inequity in fast-growing industries.

Championing a Vision: Dr. David Bailey Steps In

The concept for Pursue STEM was developed by Trevor Massey of the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) and Lydia Gill, then Manager of Access and Equity Recruitment at the University of Toronto. Together, they envisioned a program that could be a remedy for the persistent STEM opportunity gap. However, for this vision to become a reality, it needed a champion. Enter Dr. David Bailey.

As Chair of the University of Toronto’s Physics Outreach Committee, Dr. Bailey recognized the urgent need to engage under-represented communities. He was struck by a stark truth: “[At one time] the physics department had 200 graduate students and we had zero Black graduate students,” he said. This realization fuelled his commitment to create change.

Trevor Massey (left) with Dr. David Bailey (right)

Building the Pursue STEM Program

Dr. Bailey led the charge to design and launch Pursue STEM. Tapping into the resources and skills of the Department of Physics and the Faculty of Arts and Science, he transformed an idea into a thriving program. Under his leadership, Pursue STEM became a beacon of opportunity.

The program offers targeted STEM training, hands-on learning, and early exposure to scientific thinking. It is carefully designed to ignite curiosity, build essential skills, and open pathways to university and future careers. Dr. Bailey and the University of Toronto believe that investing in accessible, inclusive STEM education will normalize Black youth participation in technology fields. The result? Greater diversity, equity, and innovation across the Canadian workforce.

Why Partner with Leadership by Design?

After years of searching for the right community partner, Dr. Bailey was introduced to the Lifelong Leadership Institute by Lydia Gill. The partnership proved to be the perfect fit. “Leadership by Design has been a perfect partner … we couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Dr. Bailey reflects.

He explains that Pursue STEM was created to help students see the importance of science in society. Many participants are accepted through the Leadership by Design (LBD) program, which attracts keen students with a passion for maths and sciences. Pursue STEM has also become a network — a community where students connect with others who share their excitement for STEM topics.

What Dr. Bailey Wants You to Know

Dr. Bailey is quick to point out that STEM skills aren’t just for scientists. “We [scientists] will learn whatever we need to learn in order to achieve our goal,” he notes, emphasizing that perseverance and problem-solving are skills that serve students in every aspect of life, no matter their career path.

Pursue STEM also invites parents to join the journey. Special sessions offer parents the chance to engage with presenters and mentors, ask questions, and explore the world of STEM alongside their children. Dr. Bailey is delighted by the curiosity he sees: “The parents ask questions about the research and subject matter in general,” he shares.

For Dr. Bailey, the ripple effect of learning is at the heart of Pursue STEM. “We hope it trickles down. Maybe students have siblings, or students have friends.” By sharing what they learn, Pursue STEM students become ambassadors — lighting a spark that may inspire a whole new generation of scientists.

Thanks to the leadership and vision of Dr. David Bailey, Pursue STEM is transforming lives and building a brighter, more inclusive future in STEM, one student at a time.

Danielle Reid, LLI Intern, December 2023 – May 2024
Bachelor’s degree, Journalism 2020 – 2024, Toronto Metropolitan University
Story updated September 2025