Up4 The Challenge inspires youth in grades 7–12 to use STEM for social good. Through hands-on, design-thinking workshops, participants tackle real community challenges – ranging from food insecurity to climate resilience and ethical AI – by imagining and prototyping sustainable solutions. Led by women leaders in science and engineering, our programs emphasize equity, creativity, and human-centered design. Since 2022, we’ve engaged over 500 students from equity-deserving communities, with more than 75% reporting greater confidence in applying STEM to societal and environmental problems. Our programs are co-designed and co-facilitated by diverse post-secondary students who act as relatable mentors, creating a near-peer learning environment that builds trust, connection, and inspiration. By sparking enthusiasm and building skills, we empower youth to see themselves as capable change-makers and future STEM innovators.