Investment in Let's Talk Science aims to reach 5 million young Canadians over the next five years
HAMILTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 21, 2015) -
The Harper Government is making a major investment to help increase exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young Canadians from kindergarten to Grade 12. Through this investment, the Government hopes to increase the number of Canadians graduating and going on to well-paying jobs and careers requiring STEM skills. The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), joined by David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, announced a $12.5-million investment over five years to Let's Talk Science. Minister of State Holder made the announcement at the Let's Talk Science Challenge at McMaster University, in front of more than 230 Grade 6, 7 and 8 students.
The funding will allow Let's Talk Science to expand its programming to reach 5 million young people from across Canada over five years, particularly those living in rural, remote and Aboriginal communities outside the major city centres. The funding will also increase the number of Let's Talk Science Outreach sites at universities and colleges to almost 50 across the country and expand the organization's capacity to reach French-speaking Canadian students in Quebec and across Canada.
With today's announcement, the Harper Government has more than quadrupled its investments that encourage young Canadians to develop a lifelong passion for STEM subjects leading to promising careers.
Enhancing STEM skills, and supporting organizations such as Let's Talk Science and programs such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's PromoScience, was a commitment made in the newly updated science, technology and innovation strategy, Seizing Canada's Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation 2014, delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last December.
Quick facts
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"Our government is committed to providing young Canadians with positive experiences in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that can be translated into fulfilling jobs and careers requiring these skills. Today's investment in Let's Talk Science will allow the organization to reach 5 million young Canadians over five years, particularly in rural, remote and Aboriginal communities, to ensure more young Canadians have the opportunity to pursue STEM careers later on."
- The Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)
"Our government has provided record investments in science, technology and innovation to create jobs, expand opportunities and improve the quality of life of Canadians. Today's investment in Let's Talk Science will continue to support opportunities to expose Hamilton students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics and provide them with the passion and encouragement needed to pursue careers related to these disciplines."
- David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale
"For more than 20 years, Let's Talk Science has helped Canadian youth prepare for a world that is shaped by science and technology. With this transformative investment from the Government of Canada, we will launch a bold national plan to bring our programs to millions more children, youth and educators in hundreds of communities across the country. We will work with our world-class volunteer network and education partners to support toddlers to teens in developing foundational skills that will serve them well for all future career paths."
- Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder of Let's Talk Science
Associated links
Minister Holder announces increased investment in PromoScience
Seizing Canada's Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation 2014
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About Let's Talk Science
Let's Talk Science is a national, charitable outreach organization that creates and delivers unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The organization strives to prepare youth for their future careers and role as citizens in a rapidly changing world.
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