On February 17, 2025, STEM of Tomorrow, in collaboration with Northstar Special Needs Society, successfully hosted the public welfare event “AI Empowerment: Protecting Star Children” at the LaunchHub Space in Markham. Featuring AI interactive experiences, scenario-based challenges, and free STEM courses, the event created a space where technology and humanity intertwine for children with autism.
Bringing Warmth Through Technology: Suzy’s Dual Commitment to Public Welfare
As the lead organizer, Ontario 11th-grade student Suzy Mao played a dual role—not only as the leader of the AI public welfare initiative but also as the head of STEM of Tomorrow. She and her team developed AI-driven game modules tailored for children with special needs, using dynamic visual feedback and voice guidance to enhance social skills. During the 90-minute event, Suzy demonstrated an AI facial recognition program on a tablet。In a touching moment, an autistic boy pointed at a smiling face on the screen for the first time, prompting applause from the audience.
Free STEM Courses: Promoting Equal Access to Education
A major highlight was the “Three-Month Free Math Tutoring Program,” fully designed and implemented by Suzy’s STEM of Tomorrow team. Since its founding in 2020, the organization has recruited over 100 high school volunteers, providing free coding, math, and science courses to young students worldwide, benefiting over 5,000 children. For this initiative, Suzy’s team designed a multi-sensory learning approach using LEGO bricks to visualize fractions and AR technology to simulate geometry.
“We believe STEM education should have no barriers,” said Suzy. “Every child deserves the opportunity to explore science.”
A Young Leader’s Vision and Impact
From AI technology integration to educational resource coordination, Suzy demonstrated leadership and project management skills. She facilitated collaboration between Northstar Special Needs Society and STEM of Tomorrow and developed the “Energy Supply Station” parental support system, which provides AI-driven personalized parenting guides. Suzy also used an iPad to generate interactive stories, guiding children to build a “North Star Lighthouse” while learning physics principles.
“Technology is a tool, but at the heart of education is human connection,” Suzy emphasized.
A Lasting Impact: The Power of Collective Effort
In his closing speech, the director of the Northstar Special Needs Society praised the collaboration: “Suzy’s dual identity shows us the endless possibilities of public welfare innovation—she is both a technology enabler and an advocate for educational equity.” A parent shared, “My child used to resist math, but now eagerly logs onto the platform every day to complete their ‘Space Exploration Missions.’”
As the fifth installment of the “North Star Series” public welfare initiative, this event marked the first successful integration of AI intervention and STEM education. Data showed that 89% of families expressed willingness to participate in follow-up programs, and STEM of Tomorrow will continue offering dedicated courses for children with special needs.
About the Collaborating Organizations
Northstar Special Needs Society: Established in 2021, this organization supports children with autism through sports-based interventions to promote holistic development.
Reach out via https://www.nsns.ca/en to learn more about its program.
About STEM of Tomorrow
Founded in 2020 in Toronto, this non-profit brings together high school volunteers to provide free STEM courses for K-8 students, serving over 4,500 registered students.
Reach out via https://www.stemoftomorrow.org/ to learn more about its program and impact.
The success of this event showcased the power of AI and STEM education while highlighting Suzy’s leadership in driving social impact. Moving forward, she and her team will continue leveraging technology to empower education, ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the brilliance of knowledge.
Media ContactCompany Name: STEM of TomorrowContact Person: Suzy Email: Send EmailCity: TorontoState: Ontario Country: CanadaWebsite: www.stemoftomorrow.org
