WOLFVILLE, Nova Scotia A province-wide initiative by Acadia University and supported by the Government of Canada will help build capacity within the Nova Scotia educational system to develop technology skills through the introduction of robots into the school system.
"The economy is our government's top priority and we recognize that investments in technology training for youth will help to build strong, vibrant communities and contribute to economic growth," said Senator Kelvin Oglivie, on behalf of Keith Ashfield Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "Our support for this project at Acadia University will help develop the technology skills of tomorrow's workers."
Acadia University will purchase a pool of robots that will be distributed to interested schools and community groups to help build youth interest in science and technology and encourage them to choose careers in science.
The project is being supported by the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) which will operate a robot library at six locations across the province and will be managed by a steering committee comprised of representatives from NSCC, Acadia University and various industry professionals.
"This collective effort is directed at building the capacity of Nova Scotia's most precious resource-that of our youth-encouraging them to become full participants (scientists, software developers, engineers and entrepreneurs) in the development of the digital economy in Nova Scotia and in Canada," said Dr. Danny Silver, Director of the Jodrey School of Computer Science.
The Government of Canada is investing $45,000 through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. In addition to the federal support, the project is receiving $23,630 from the Nova Scotia Community College, $10,850 from private industry, $5,855 from Acadia University and $4,925 from the Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development and the Department of Education.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Senator Kelvin Oglivie, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield, today announced federal funding of $45,000 for a province-wide initiative by Acadia University to build capacity within the Nova Scotia educational system to develop technology skills through the introduction of robots into the school system. Acadia University will purchase a pool of robots that will be distributed to interested schools and community groups to help build youth interest in science and technology and encourage them to choose careers in science. The project is being supported by ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund.
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Christopher Brooks
Manager, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790
Email: Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
