Government of Canada: NSERC PromoScience announcement – support for organizations to encourage the next generation of scientists and researchers

On Monday, September 17, 2018, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, kicked off Science Literacy Week, Sept. 17 – 23, in Ottawa with the announcement of the 2017 recipients of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) PromoScience Program. The announcement includes 11.9 million in funding for 163 grants that support hands-on learning experiences for young Canadians and teachers.

Programs at the Faculty of Science that will benefit include two initiatives already underway, now both in their second year: a Summer Workshop in Mathematics, organized by the Department of Mathematics, and Discovery Days, a STEAMUmanitoba program initiative.

The Summer Workshop in Mathematics, attracts K-8 teachers from across Winnipeg and the surrounding area. The program challenges participants to reconsider what skills need to be emphasized in the classroom at the primary level to later allow access to the higher-level concepts in math. It aims to provide teachers with a new set of tools for teaching math; to better engage youth in logic, reasoning, and critical thinking.

The Discovery Days program, brings 2000 elementary school students to campus to participate in a full-day of directed hands-on science classroom activities and labs, exhibits and live science shows. The hands-on activities are designed to spark imagination and normalize the experience of being on campus, especially for students who may never have visited a university beforehand.

As the Government of Canada reports: 

“Our government understands the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and a passion for science among our children and youth. PromoScience funding will help inspire young Canadians to make science part of their education, their careers and their lives. When we support young Canadians, as these grants will do, we are building a brighter future for our entire country.”– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport“The fostering of curiosity in science and engineering opens doors to novel ideas, creative solutions and exciting career possibilities. By sharing their enthusiasm and expertise with Canada’s youth, the science outreach community is contributing to a healthy science culture in communities across this country.”– Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President of NSERC

Quick Facts

• NSERC’s PromoScience Program offers financial support for non-profit organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering, including mathematics and technology.
• In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada proposed a historic investment of nearly $4 billion over five years in research and the next generation of researchers.
• The Government of Canada is committed to promoting a culture where young people and the public are engaged and excited about science, through campaigns including #choosescience and #ScienceAroundMe.

Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.