Intel of Canada spearheads inspireyouth.ca, a national initiative to enhance science and technology mentorship opportunities for Canadian students8 May 2006
Intel of Canada today announced inspireyouth.ca, a nationwide initiative to inspire more Canadian students to pursue science and technology education and careers. The initiative will enhance the pool of Canadian educators, researchers and industry professionals who will mentor students and will improve the mentorship programs offered by Youth Science Foundation Canada (YSF) and Actua, the premier youth science educators and supporters in Canada.
Inspireyouth.ca addresses two deficiencies in youth science education. At the formative stages of elementary school and high school, there are limited opportunities for youth to consider and pursue more science and technology education and projects. And second, at the more advanced levels where students compete in regional and national science fairs, there is a lack of student coaching, experience and access to more sophisticated equipment and facilities, resulting in unrealized potential among Canada's most inventive minds.
Together, these two deficiencies conspire to discourage youth from pursuing math, science and engineering education and careers. And without a healthy stream of budding scientists, engineers and technologists, the Canadian economy risks developing an "innovation gap."
"Canada needs to be more than hewers of wood and drawers of oil," said Doug Cooper, country manager for Intel of Canada. "We have a more valuable sustainable resource in our brightest young science prospects. By promoting and financially supporting mentorship programs through organizations like Actua and YSF, Intel's ultimate goal is to accelerate a stronger Canadian science and technology community that will generate breakthrough medical advances, innovative engineering models and help Canada better compete in the global economy."
Survey reveals mentors have greatest influence on keeping youth involved in science
A 2005 survey of more than 600 alumni of YSF's national science fair program revealed that the majority of student respondents who had mentors ranked them as the greatest influence on the development of their science projects. They reported that mentors offer knowledge, encouragement, help with the development of ideas, and provide access to labs and equipment.
"Working with a mentor is a powerful way for young people to access the world of professional science and engineering," said Reni Barlow, executive director of Youth Science Foundation Canada. "YSF believes that helping to forge connections between young scientists and educators, professionals, and research scientists can catalyze new ideas and light a fire that becomes a life's work or simply creates communities of shared interest."
At the grassroots level, about the same number of students participate annually in project-based science in Canada - more than 500,000 - as play organized minor hockey.
"Inspireyouth.ca is an important collaboration that will further enhance Actua's hands-on outreach programming for youth by providing more mentors to our National Mentorship Program" said Jennifer Flanagan, CEO, Actua. "Exposing youth at a young age to dynamic and diverse mentors is critical to dispel stereotypes and to help youth envision the many exciting possibilities that exist for their future - this is especially important for youth that are not already turned on to science."
"Tomorrow's innovation economy depends on a highly educated, highly skilled population of young creative minds," said Ontario Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty. "On behalf of Ontario families, I commend Intel Canada, Actua, and the YSF in enhancing mentorship programs aimed at encouraging more Canadian youth to pursue science and technology careers. I also want to extend my best wishes to Team Canada as they get ready to compete in Intel's ISEF. The experience of competing in an international science fair not only exposes our youth to innovative ideas and new experiences but allows them to showcase their talents on a global scale."
Intel of Canada has been an active driver of youth education for several years, through its ongoing sponsorship of Team Canada at Intel's International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the largest and most prestigious science fair in the world. Today, Intel of Canada held a kick-off event for 19 Canadian students who will compete against 1200 international students for $3.2 million in prizes and scholarships at the 2006 Intel ISEF in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 7-13.
Companies and individual mentors interested in participating in YSF Canada and Actua's mentorship programs can register for more information at: http://www.inspireyouth.ca
About YSF
Since 1962, Youth Science Foundation Canada (YSF) has played a vital role in nurturing the scientific impulse amongst our youth - encouraging them to develop scientific and technological knowledge and skills. Fired by the tireless energy of more than 8,000 volunteers: educators, scientists and parents across a network of over 100 local organizations, YSF works to capture their imaginations and broaden their access to science. For more information, visit www.ysf-fsj.ca
About Actua
Actua is Canada's leading science, engineering and technology youth outreach network. More than two-million young Canadians have been inspired through their participation in Actua's positive, hands-on educational programs. Actua's innovative delivery model involves a growing network of 28 member organizations located at universities and colleges across Canada. These members harness the energy and enthusiasm of more than 1,000 undergraduate students and volunteers to deliver school workshops, summer camps and community outreach initiatives to over 215,000 youth in 375 communities annually. Actua engages minorities, Aboriginals, and underprivileged children as well as youth living in rural and remote areas so that every child is given an opportunity to reach their potential. For more information, visit www.actua.ca
About Intel
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.ca/pressroom.
For further information: Daniela Gentile, Julie Roe, (416) 924-5700, ext. 4084, ext. 4092, (416) 579-3960 (cellular), daniela_gentile@ca.cohnwolfe.com, julie_roe@ca.cohnwolfe.com
Source: newswire
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Related Computer Hardware Articles
|
