June 9, 2021
For Immediate Release
Scientists in School receives 3-Year $579,900 PromoScience Grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced today a three-year $579,900 donation to Scientists in School through their PromoScience Program.
NSERC’s multi-year PromoScience funding will support Scientists in School’s community setting workshop program, engaging over 100,000 youth in fun and immersive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experiences. 400 free workshops will be provided annually for racialized, newcomer, low-income, Indigenous, and rural/remote communities, through settings such as libraries, Boys and Girls Clubs, community centres and newcomer groups, which will help to address societal barriers to STEM pathways for eager young scientists during their formative years (ages 4 to 14). The grant will also help to double the number of communities this programming serves to over 200, expand the programming into new provinces, and increase topic offerings for both virtual and in-person programs.
Quotes:
“We’re thrilled with NSERC’s continued support of Scientists in School, which helps strengthen our vision of getting all children in Canada excited about STEM, regardless of where they live,” says Cindy Adams, Executive Director of Scientists in School. “Together, we’re helping hundreds of thousands of children in Canada build the confidence and skills needed to pursue pathways in STEM.”
“Science outreach activities, such as those taking place throughout Science Odyssey, foster enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and math among Canada’s young people. Their participation in a strong science culture positions them well to pursue interesting and productive jobs and to become more knowledgeable citizens.” – Dr. Alejandro Adem, President of NSERC
“By inspiring young Canadians’ interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, great teachers and leaders across our country are making a real difference. They are opening Canada’s most creative minds to new possibilities, sparking enthusiasm and building a culture of curiosity. I am pleased to join in celebrating today’s outreach leaders and encourage young Canadians to follow their dreams because science matters.” – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
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For inquiries, please contact:
Amy Schindler, Director of Fund Development & Communications
905-837-9626 ext. 237
amy.schindler@scientistsinschool.ca
About Scientists in School:
Scientists in School, Canada’s leading STEM education charity, has been getting children and youth in Kindergarten to Grade 8 excited about science through hands-on STEM investigations in classroom and community settings since 1989. Over the past 30 years, Scientists in School has impacted over 10 million young scientists across Canada, empowering them to envision a career or post-secondary education in STEM. In 2020, Scientists in School launched a virtual classroom and community workshop program in response to the COVID-19 crisis, expanding into provinces across Canada.
About NSERC:
NSERC invests over $1.2 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments deliver discoveries—valuable world-firsts in knowledge claimed by a brain trust of over 11,000 professors. Our investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect the makers and users of discoveries. Research partnerships established by NSERC help inform research and development and solve scale-up challenges. NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada.