Under the SCOPE framework, the Office of E-IDEA is working with key collaborators to build meaningful community relationships within and outside the Faculty of Engineering. Using a participatory approach and learnings from our pilot projects, we aim to facilitate social education, skills development, and spaces for building connection and trust. Learn about some of our projects below.
Graduate Peer Community
In January 2025, we recruited our first SCOPE Fellows to co-design spaces and activities for Faculty of Engineering graduate students to gain knowledge and skills in the areas of EDI, social impact, and science communication in the design professions. Our desired outcome is for graduate students to develop a rich, holistic view of their role in society and feel enabled to create a positive social impact through their profession. More details to come!
Supporting Student Initiatives
The Office of E-IDEA provides ongoing support for student-led community engagement initiatives. Learn about some of our student partners below:
- The Indigenous Inclusion Committee (IIC) provides support for Indigenous students in the Faculty of Engineering. They are also exploring ways to engage Indigenous youth in engineering and design. IIC website and social media channels coming soon!
- In 2024, the National Society of Black Engineers McGill Chapter (NSBE McGill) launched a peer mentorship program for Black students entering university. They are now growing their initiative to reach CEGEP and high school students. In addition, NSBE McGill organizes A Walk for Education, an annual outreach event dedicated to introducing underrepresented youth to STEM and inspiring them to pursue higher education. Learn more at the NSBE McGill website.
Members of NSBE McGill - The Office of E-IDEA provides advising for Engineering and interfaculty student clubs and individual students seeking support with their strategy development, awareness of resources, and community building initiatives such as symposia, outreach activities, and wellness events. The Office of E-IDEA also helps boost Faculty of Engineering participation in central outreach initiatives at McGill, such as the Explore McGill and Homework Zone youth outreach initiatives hosted by the McGill Branches Team.
McGill Outreach Symposium & ONE McGill
In Fall 2023, the Office of E-IDEA co-organized the first-ever McGill Outreach Symposium alongside McGill Branches and several other units across McGill. This symposium brought together McGill staff, students, and community partners to share knowledge, experiences, and equitable practices for community engagement. The Office of E-IDEA sponsored the morning plenary session, a panel event entitled, “Communities Speak: Building effective and equitable relationships with underrepresented learners”. Invited speakers were community-based advocates who identify as Indigenous or Black and had lived experience in Quebec's child protection system. The Office of E-IDEA also moderated a discussion entitled, “EDI at McGill: Getting our house in order before inviting others in”, featuring various McGill staff working in EDI leadership positions.
Since 2023, the Office of E-IDEA has continued to be an active member in similar collaborative spaces, and most recently participated in the success of Outreach Network Event (ONE) McGill, which aims to break down silos by promoting information sharing and networking.