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Intel of Canada spearheads inspireyouth.ca
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Location: Blogs News |
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| Posted by: ITNovaScotia Admin |
Friday, May 05, 2006 |
TORONTO, May 5 /CNW/ - 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
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