SIMAD
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Meet Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the SIMAD foundation?
SIMAD is a student-run nonprofit organization that empowers high school students worldwide through international STEM competitions, internship opportunities, and mentorship. We create opportunities for students to build, pitch, and even prototype their own solutions to real-world challenges.
Who can join SIMAD competitions?
Any high school student with an interest in STEM, innovation, or entrepreneurship can join! You don’t need to be a coding expert or a robotics pro—just curious, creative, and ready to learn.
Does it cost anything to participate?
Nope! All of our competitions and programs are completely free. We believe in keeping opportunities accessible for everyone, regardless of background.
Is SIMAD international?
SIMAD is mainly based at Canada. However, international students may partake in SIMAD events.
YLEC
What is YLEC?
YLEC stands for Youth Leadership Engineering Conference and it's our hallmark global competition in which students meet to address real problems using the power of STEM and entrepreneurial minds.
You’ll start by pitching your idea, then (if selected) you’ll dive into creating a formal industry research report. After the next selection round, teams are invited to actually build a working or synthetic prototype. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and totally free to join. All participants from this phase also get the chance to present your final product to real industry professionals and maybe even walk away with mentorship or internship opportunities.
Shark Tank + Science Fair + International Renown = YLEC!
Do I need a team to participate?
You can apply solo or with a team! If you don’t have a team, we’ll do our best to match you with like-minded peers based on your interests.
What kind of challenges will I be working on?
Expect real-world problems that span science, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business, and more. You’ll be solving issues that are provided to us by sponsoring organizations and really matter—with impact that goes beyond the competition.
Will I be able to get internships?
Absolutely. We connect students with representatives from sponsoring organizations and academia and let them decide whether to extend their offers for internship positions.
Opportunities
Can I win prizes or recognition?
Yes! We offer awards, shoutouts, mentorship opportunities, and potentially even funding support to help some students move their ideas forward. But more than anything, you walk away with real skills and real experience.
How can I get involved if I’m not a student?
We’re always looking to partner with mentors, judges, sponsors, and STEM professionals who want to support youth innovation. Reach out to us through our contact page. We’d love to chat!
Support and Contact
Does SIMAD form partnerships with other clubs?
At SIMAD we're always searching for opportunities to form partnerships with other clubs and organizations whether they are media-based, financial, or simply of supporting the cause of fostering innovation!
How can I contact SIMAD?
To contact us, visit our contact page here