McGuinty government to fund Youth Science and Technology Outreach Program in Durham Region
June 8, 2006
OSHAWA, Ont. -Aspiring local scientists and engineers will soon have the mentorship and expertise of leading researchers at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) to help get their ideas off the ground.
The McGuinty government's Ministry of Research and Innovation recently announced $3.9 million in funding to support over 30 community based projects aimed at inspiring youth to pursue careers in science and technology. Through its three-year Youth Science and Technology Outreach Program (YSTOP), Ontario's youth will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields such as energy, environmental science, life sciences, robotics, engineering and theoretical physics.
UOIT has been awarded $126,655 from the government for its YSTOP initiative, Mentoring the Future by Highlighting the Present, with these funds matched by industry and community based sponsors through monetary and in-kind donations for a total of $253,300 over three years. Current sponsors and partners include Youth Science Foundation Canada, Sci-Tech Ontario, Friends of Second Marsh, Oshawa PUC, Durham Strategic Energy Alliance, Ontario Power Generation, Veridian Corporation, and Zerofootprint.
"This grant will provide a tremendous opportunity to connect UOIT's world-class researchers in science and engineering with youth in the community and beyond," said Dr. William Smith, dean of the Faculty of Science at UOIT and leader of the project. "The generous assistance from the Ontario government and our sponsors and partners is greatly appreciated."
Set to launch this fall, UOIT's YSTOP initiative will give local high school students a chance to conduct science projects with the mentorship of the university's leading faculty members and researchers. The first year of the project is themed Energy and the Environment and will roll out in three stages, the first of which is a visit to UOIT for more than 250 students from Grade 7 and up to learn about the university's research and labs.
In the second stage, students will be invited to submit a proposal to develop and pursue their own energy and environment related questions based on their visit to UOIT. Twenty-five of the best proposals will be matched with UOIT faculty members and mentors, and these students will return to UOIT for guidance on how to turn their questions into innovative projects. During Youth Science Month in March 2007, the students and their mentors will present project findings at their schools, and give community based presentations to promote their unique experience and to generate further awareness of the opportunities available to youth in the community.
"The first-year theme of Energy and the Environment is especially timely, and provides an excellent connection with UOIT's energy and environmentally related research and programs, particularly our unique physics-based Energy and the Environment BSc (Honours) program," added Smith. "An increasing number of jobs in the energy sector are expected in the future, and this and other energy related programs at UOIT provide an excellent route to these opportunities."
About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education.
The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including a Tier 1 Research Chair. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
The McGuinty government's Ministry of Research and Innovation recently announced $3.9 million in funding to support over 30 community based projects aimed at inspiring youth to pursue careers in science and technology. Through its three-year Youth Science and Technology Outreach Program (YSTOP), Ontario's youth will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields such as energy, environmental science, life sciences, robotics, engineering and theoretical physics.
UOIT has been awarded $126,655 from the government for its YSTOP initiative, Mentoring the Future by Highlighting the Present, with these funds matched by industry and community based sponsors through monetary and in-kind donations for a total of $253,300 over three years. Current sponsors and partners include Youth Science Foundation Canada, Sci-Tech Ontario, Friends of Second Marsh, Oshawa PUC, Durham Strategic Energy Alliance, Ontario Power Generation, Veridian Corporation, and Zerofootprint.
"This grant will provide a tremendous opportunity to connect UOIT's world-class researchers in science and engineering with youth in the community and beyond," said Dr. William Smith, dean of the Faculty of Science at UOIT and leader of the project. "The generous assistance from the Ontario government and our sponsors and partners is greatly appreciated."
Set to launch this fall, UOIT's YSTOP initiative will give local high school students a chance to conduct science projects with the mentorship of the university's leading faculty members and researchers. The first year of the project is themed Energy and the Environment and will roll out in three stages, the first of which is a visit to UOIT for more than 250 students from Grade 7 and up to learn about the university's research and labs.
In the second stage, students will be invited to submit a proposal to develop and pursue their own energy and environment related questions based on their visit to UOIT. Twenty-five of the best proposals will be matched with UOIT faculty members and mentors, and these students will return to UOIT for guidance on how to turn their questions into innovative projects. During Youth Science Month in March 2007, the students and their mentors will present project findings at their schools, and give community based presentations to promote their unique experience and to generate further awareness of the opportunities available to youth in the community.
"The first-year theme of Energy and the Environment is especially timely, and provides an excellent connection with UOIT's energy and environmentally related research and programs, particularly our unique physics-based Energy and the Environment BSc (Honours) program," added Smith. "An increasing number of jobs in the energy sector are expected in the future, and this and other energy related programs at UOIT provide an excellent route to these opportunities."
About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education.
The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including a Tier 1 Research Chair. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@dc-uoit.ca
