$15K grant opens Saanich Centre of the Universe to Greater Victoria students
Published 10:00 am Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Students across Greater Victoria can get hands-on at the Centre of the Universe with new funding for STEM education.
The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, which runs the centre on West Saanich Road, scored a $15,000 grant from VanCity Saving’s Greater Victoria Savings and Credit Union Legacy Fund designed to break down financial barriers for young people learning about science, technology and math.
The grant will fund a bursary program for students in each of the three regional school districts, with priority given to schools serving families with limited financial resources, Indigenous students, and girls. Through the bursary program, approved schools can receive free Centre of the Universe programming, including in-class, online and in-person experiences. Schools that have already booked future programs are also eligible to apply.
“Cost should never determine who gets access to science education,” said Ruhee Janmohamed, education leadership coordinator at the centre. “This funding allows us to reach classrooms that may otherwise miss out on meaningful STEM experiences and helps ensure more students can see themselves as future scientists and innovators.”
Applications for the bursary are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions typically made within one to two weeks.
Learn more about The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at centreoftheuniverse.org.