Sandeep Raha receives Coronation Medal for dedication to children, families, and community

Sandeep Raha, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The prestigious medal honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and helped shape Canada’s future.

The honour, presented to Raha by Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas Member of Parliament Filomena Tassi in a ceremony on January 11, recognizes Raha’s leadership of McMaster Children & Youth University (MCYU). The university offers educational programming to children and youth in the form of free lectures and programs

 “It was humbling to be surrounded by people so committed to community and country,” said Raha.

Inspiring Young Minds

Founded by Raha and former McMaster Children’s Hospital pediatrician Katrin Scheinemann in 2011, MCYU was inspired by Germany’s Children’s University, a program where academics share their research with children through campus lectures. Raha saw an opportunity to bring the concept to Canada, adapting it to include families.

“We turned it into a family program, and it became evident how much families loved learning together,” he said.

Expanding Horizons

In 2015, MCYU launched an outreach program to train volunteers to deliver interactive science programming in priority neighbourhoods and schools across Hamilton. Within five years, more than 150 volunteers had joined the initiative, illustrating its growth and widespread impact.

“Today, I estimate we’ve reached close to 12,000 participants through lectures and 3,000 kids annually through school programming,” Raha said. “Teachers consistently praise the program’s value, and demand often exceeds our capacity.”

In 2019, the volunteer program evolved into a curricular offering for McMaster University students. Through partnerships with organizations like Defining Moments Canada, MCYU developed three university-level courses that teach students skills in collaborative research and community engagement. To date, these courses have trained more than 600 undergraduates, with annual enrolment reaching 120 students per term.

Stories of Impact

Since its inception, MCYU has touched countless lives. Raha recalls Brianna, a volunteer who attended MCYU sessions as a child and now plans to pursue medical school at McMaster.

“A participant’s mother recently told me that her son, inspired by MCYU experiences, earned a spot at a summer camp at Oxford University,” Raha shared. “We are really inspiring young people.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Raha envisions a stronger MCYU where university students design and implement projects with children, creating opportunities for one-on-one mentorship. He hopes to introduce research courses that document innovative teaching strategies and explore children’s mindsets to cultivate critical thinking skills.

His ultimate goal is a pan-Canadian network that pools resources to serve diverse communities, including Indigenous and remote areas. Global collaborations, such as a budding partnership in Sierra Leone, represent the next stage of growth.

Building Together

Raha attributes MCYU’s success to teamwork and community engagement, crediting the Youth and Teachers Advisory Boards, as well as feedback from the community. He emphasizes the importance of continued support, both financial and participatory.

“Our milestones reflect the community’s engagement and our team’s passion,” he said. “We’re committed to sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of collaboration. Together, we can make a lasting impact on future generations.”

How to Get Involved

MCYU invites community members to join its advisory boards, volunteer at events, and provide feedback. Donations are also essential to sustain and expand its programming.

Learn more by visiting the MCYU website.