More than 170 Indigenous elementary school students visited McMaster University last week to learn about engineering, science and university life.

The two-day Aboriginal Youth STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) conference on May 18 & 19 brought students in Grades 5 to 8 to campus for a series of lectures, fun projects and the chance to stay overnight in residence.

Now in its third year, the free conference gives students the opportunity to explore careers in science and engineering, and learn valuable leadership and team building skills.

McMaster Engineering will also be hosting three week long Aboriginal Youth Summer Camp sessions this July and August.

Since its inception, the Aboriginal Outreach program at McMaster has hosted more than 5000 students.