Actua Receives $1.25 Million to Promote Science to Underpriviledged Youth

More Southern Ontario children will be able to experience innovations in science with an investment in Actua, a national science, engineering and technology youth outreach network, some likely at Queen’s University in Kingston.

Each year, Actua’s growing network of member organizations reach more than 200,000 young Canadians in more than 450 communities nationwide, and lists Queen’s University as one of their host institutions for the “Science Quest“  and  “Science Discovery” summer programs.

According to an announcement this month by Peter Braid, MP for Kitchener-Waterloo and on behalf of the Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Actua will receive $1.25 million to improve its programs intended to support young people who are usually underrepresented and underserved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Member of Parliament for Kingston & the Islands, Ted Hsu, holds the Liberal party portfolio for the Federal Economic Development Agency of both Southern and Northern Ontario.

“Our Government recognizes the importance of preparing young people for today’s high-tech economy,” said Peter Braid. “By developing our next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, we can help drive innovation and keep the economy growing in southern Ontario for years to come.”

Programs receiving this funding will benefit Aboriginal and other underprivileged youth, at-risk youth and youth living in remote areas or inner-city neighbourhoods.

“We are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to grow our southern Ontario members’ capacities to deepen the impact and broaden the reach of our STEM programming, especially for youth who are underserved and underrepresented in STEM. This FedDev Ontario contribution will enhance Actua’s significant contributions to building the next generation of Ontario innovators.” said Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO of Actua.

The investment, provided through FedDev Ontario’s Youth STEM Initiative, is aimed at encouraging students in kindergarten through grade 12 to pursue an education or career in the STEM fields.

FedDev Ontario was established under Canada’s Economic Action Plan to support businesses and communities in southern Ontario. Now in its second year, the Agency has launched a series of initiatives to create an advantage in southern Ontario and situate the region in a strong position to compete in the global market.

These initiatives are designed to help businesses and other organizations through partnerships and investments in skills and training; innovation; research and development; and increased productivity.

To learn more, visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

NOTE: article updated Aug 29 17:30  to correct funding amount in headline.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Tags: Government, Queen's University, Ted Hsu

Category: News