McCrimmon Middle School, part of the Peel District School Board in Ontario, has earned first place in MindShare Learning’s 17th annual Schools of the Future Challenge. The school’s standout submission, “Culturally Responsive & Relevant Sustainable Future Cities,” won over national judges with its forward-thinking approach to sustainable urban design rooted in inclusivity and cultural relevance.
The challenge, supported by lead sponsor Dell Technologies, invites K–12 students across Canada to create innovative solutions using STEM and AI to address global issues, with many aligning their work to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
McCrimmon’s project combined AI-powered design tools with student-led research to conceptualize inclusive, climate-resilient cities. Emphasizing cultural responsiveness, the students proposed systems that prioritize accessibility, diversity, and environmental stewardship—demonstrating both technical acumen and deep social awareness.
The project was led by educators Unber Khan and Nicole Quimet, who provided mentorship and guidance throughout the process. Their focus on culturally responsive pedagogy and student empowerment was instrumental in fostering a team dynamic centred on collaboration and innovation.
A school-wide celebration was held at McCrimmon Middle, attended by key Peel District leaders including Superintendent of Innovation and Research Bernadette Smith, Superintendent Rasulan Hoppie, and Principal Deborah Solomon. Their presence underscored the importance of leadership in enabling school-wide innovation and supporting educators and students alike.
Director of Education Rashmi Swarup credited the board’s Leadership Empowerment and Innovation Program (LEIP) with helping scale innovation beyond isolated classrooms. The LEIP—also referred to as the Leading Education Innovation Program—is Peel’s equity-centred strategy to scale innovative, tech-enabled learning across the district. It focuses on culturally responsive, inclusive practices and positions historically marginalized learners at the core of its mission.
According to PDSB, between 2024 and 2025, LEIP engaged over 4000 students and 200 educators across more than 200 school-based projects, ranging from robotics and VR to app development and sustainability initiatives. It aligns directly with Peel’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024–2028), which emphasizes equity, innovation, and leadership as drivers of student success.
Participation in challenges like the Schools of the Future Challenge has tangible academic and developmental benefits. Research shows that engaging students in STEM and AI-driven, project-based learning can significantly enhance:
For McCrimmon students, this experience offered more than just a competition win—it was a chance to develop 21st-century skills and envision themselves as contributors to the cities and communities of the future.
The competition was made possible through the support of Dell Technologies, which provided resources and sponsorship that enabled students across the country to participate. Their involvement reflects a growing commitment from the private sector to invest in future-ready education.
As the top national winner, McCrimmon Middle School now joins a growing list of Canadian schools recognized for pioneering efforts in educational technology and student empowerment. Their achievement not only brings pride to the Peel District but also serves as a model for schools looking to integrate equity, sustainability, and innovation into STEM learning.
School: McCrimmon Middle School
Grade: 8
Teachers: Unber Khan, Nicole Quimet
Board: Peel District School Board
Theme: Culturally Responsive & Relevant Sustainable Future Cities
School: McMurrich Junior Public School
Grades: 4 & 6
Teachers: Zelia Capitao-Tavares, Kamla Rambaran
Board: Toronto District School Board
School: St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School
Grades: 3–6
Teacher: Lisa Wollziefer
Board: Waterloo Catholic District School Board
For more on the Schools of the Future Challenge and this year’s winning entries, visit MindShare Learning’s website.
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