Pickering, ON – November 27, 2023 – Scientists in School, a leading Canadian youth science education charity, is excited to announce that Cindy Adams, Executive Director, has been appointed to the Order of Ontario.
Cindy’s unwavering commitment to STEM education has helped the organization reach nearly 11 million young scientists over the last 32 years, advancing science literacy among children and youth across Ontario and Canada. Scientists in School’s classroom and community workshop program fosters curiosity and inspires Kindergarten to Grade 8 children to build critical thinking skills, heighten their interest in STEM careers, and dream of a future they perhaps never thought possible.
Cindy’s journey with Scientists in School began in 1992 as a workshop presenter and volunteer coordinator. In 1998, under a starry sky in a parking lot after listening to Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar speak at the University of Toronto, she made a life-changing decision to transition from her research career to dedicate her time entirely to getting kids excited about science. Under Cindy’s guidance, the organization has shifted from a grass-roots community initiative delivering 40 annual classroom workshops in Ajax and Pickering to a national organization annually reaching over 300,000 young scientists coast to coast to coast.
“Throughout our history, there has always been so much to be proud of, including reaching close to 11 million young scientists,“ said Cindy Adams, Executive Director at Scientists in School, “The work that we have done, and continue to do, is critical to building a strong foundation in science literacy and inspiring future generations to question intelligently, think critically, respect facts, data and evidence, and understand the relevance of STEM in the world around them. This is the legacy of Scientists in School. Our goals are lofty and important and are made possible through teamwork with our partners in STEM education: school boards, teachers, parents, and donors. Young adults fondly recall Scientists in School experiences during their elementary school years, with some now serving as workshop presenters and pursuing diverse careers in STEM.”
Cindy is the recipient of the YWCA Durham “Women of Distinction Award” and is an active community-builder having served on the Board with the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario, as President of the Canadian Federation of University Women Ajax-Pickering, and on Durham District School Board’s Make-a-Difference Poverty Steering Committee. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters in Applied Ecology from the University of Toronto.
The Order of Ontario recognizes exceptional leaders from all walks of life whose impact and lasting legacy have played an important role in building a stronger province, country and world. The incoming Lieutenant Governor, Edith Dumont, will bestow the province’s highest honour to the new appointees in a ceremony taking place on November 27, 2023.
Scientists in School’s mission is to ignite scientific curiosity in children so that they question intelligently, learn through discovery, and connect scientific knowledge to their world. If you wish to learn more about their charitable organization across Canada, please visit their website at www.scientistsinschool.ca
MEDIA CONTACT
Amy Schindler, Director, Fund Development and Communications
Scientists in School
416-554-2975
amy.schindler@scientistsinschool.ca
