Phase 2 of program will build on business relationships and broaden career choices for youth
April 23, 2014 – Fredericton – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Science East Science Centre will extend its outreach program Illuminate!, designed to engage youth in communities throughout the province to make them aware of the opportunities that exist in science-based careers, thanks to investments by both the federal and provincial governments.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable David Alward, Premier of New Brunswick, joined Science East officials today to announce their support for the extension.
The project will allow Science East to enter into Phase Two of the Illuminate! program, extending the current program by an additional two years from April 2014 to May 2016. Illuminate! raises awareness of careers in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by bringing companies and students together to explore linkages between these subjects and possible regional career options.
Phase Two of Illuminate! will build on relationships with the private sector that were started during the first phase. It will also involve new partners touched by science and technology to broaden the scope of the initiative.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is providing an investment of $124,100 toward this project, while the Government of New Brunswick is also providing $124,100.
Quick Facts:
• Illuminate! is a province-wide program geared to middle school students promoting inquiry-based learning in schools and raising public awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering and math throughout New Brunswick. The program represents a unique opportunity to not only engage youth, but to engage families and the community at large.
• Illuminate! events have taken place in 21 schools in New Brunswick. Each event has brought new partners into the initiative, further expanding Science East’s already extensive province-wide network of over 400 individual/groups representing universities, businesses, government, and not-for-profit sectors.
• In its two years, Illuminate! has reached 3,025 people at community open house events and 6,222 students and teachers through the immersive classroom STEM activities which take place in host schools.
Quotes:
“Our Government is committed to innovation and technology, and building a strong, competitive regional economy. By investing in Science East’s Illuminate! program, we are fostering a culture of innovation among our youth by encouraging them to pursue careers in science, research and development, creating future entrepreneurs and innovators that will contribute to a stronger Atlantic Canadian economy.”
- The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
"Investing in educational opportunities for our young people is an important part of our government's plan to create a better future for New Brunswick. This partnership with Science East will help engage the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who will drive success and opportunity in New Brunswick.”
- The Honourable David Alward, Premier, Province of New Brunswick
“Science East is committed to using science inquiry as a platform for the development of 21st century skills known as the 4-C’s, namely, ciritical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. In addition to youth engagement, our Illuminate events make key linkages at the community level with the community demonstrating the importance of STEM careers in science & technology”
- Dr. David Desjardins, Chief Executive Officer, Science East
Associated Links:
• www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
• www.actionplan.gc.ca
• www.scienceeast.nb.ca
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3687
Bruce MacFarlane
Communications
Economic Development
506-453-8607
David Desjardins
Chief Executive Officer
Science East
506-457-2340
