In the spring of 1999, a science outreach workshop was organized by Dr. Kevin Hewitt in Vancouver for kindergarten to grade 8 African Canadian students.  This event was dubbed “Imhotep’s Legacy Project I.”  Hewitt’s experiences with this project and his involvement with the Afrocentric Science Academy led to a discussion with Wayn Hamilton and conceptualization of a series of Imhotep’s Legacy Projects.

Hamilton had a good handle on the realities surrounding the elementary and post-secondary schools in Nova Scotia. He identified Barb Hamilton-Hinch, who came on board to lend her connection to the Black student body at Dalhousie University.

Major Program Milestones

2003-2004

Project III was implemented as an after-school program at Caledonia Junior High School in Dartmouth

2004-2005

Project IV was implemented at Caledonia Junior High School and St. Patrick’s Alexandra School

Years later, with the dedication of many, Imhotep’s Legacy Academy operates across Nova Scotia, influencing the lives of the youth by making STEM subjects accessible and interesting while also supporting their academic success. Currently, ILA’s programs work with junior high, high school and university/college students.

Imhotep’s Legacy Academy – Timeline of Development

Year Events
1999
  • 1-day workshop organized at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC – themed “Imhotep’s Legacy”, included a Magic Show/Activities and a profile of African Canadians in science
2000
  • 1-week Afrocentric Science Academy held at Saint Mary’s University
2001
  • Dr. Kevin Hewitt accepts Assistant Professorship in Dalhousie University’s Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science
2002
  • piloted the Saturday Summer Science School – themed “Imhotep’s Legacy”
2003/04
  • Imhotep’s Legacy After School Science Project conceived by Wayn Hamilton, Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, and Dr. Kevin Hewitt
  • Imhotep’s Legacy: After School Project III pilot – Caledonia Junior High School
2004/05
  • Imhotep’s Legacy: After School Project IV pilot – Saint Patrick’s-Alexandra School included
2005/06
  • ILA’s website is launched
  • Imhotep’s Legacy: After School Project V – decision is made to expand
    provincially
2006/07
  • Imhotep’s Legacy After School Project is expanded to Truro Junior High School in Truro, NS
  • Activity plans developed
  • SuperNova contributes 10 scholarships to their Summer 2007 Science camp
2007/08
  • Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (ILA) name adopted
  • Virtual High School Project planning underway
2008/09
  • Imhotep’s Legacy After School Project is expanded to Whitney Pier Memorial Junior High School in Sydney, NS
2009/10
  • Virtual School Program implemented (online tutoring via the Marratech Video Conferencing platform)
  • ILA moves to the Killam Library office space

Download the Imhotep’s Legacy Academy – Timeline of Development [277 kB]