As part of World Science Day in November, NOVA Chemicals Corporation donated $600,000 to the Let’s Talk Science program in Canada as a way to encourage students to pursue science disciplines.
The financial commitment over three years will support STEM education for children across Canada regardless of gender, geography, culture, language, abilities, and financial status, according to a company news release.
Specifically, the funding will impact Let’s Talk Science’s education, outreach, and climate science initiatives so children can build confidence and develop problem-solving, creativity, and innovative thinking skills and to encourage them to pursue STEM education and career paths, including in the chemical manufacturing sector.
“As a company that relies on a range of scientists, engineers, and technicians, NOVA Chemicals understands the importance of increasing science literacy in the next generation to fuel interest, excitement, and confidence in pursuing STEM careers,” the company said in a news release. “According to enrollment metrics, most youth in Canada are disengaging from STEM courses before graduating high school, and STEM representation is lacking for women, Indigenous people, historically marginalized communities, and those who face additional barriers.”
Bonnie Schmidt, president and founder of Let’s Talk Science, says the funding will ensure cost is not a barrier to accessing programs and resources for educators, families, or youth.
NOVA Chemicals has supported education and science for more than 20 years, the company says.
“We actively invest in the well-being of our communities. Supporting Let’s Talk Science and K–12 students is one of the ways we are shaping a world that is better tomorrow than it is today,” said Mona Jasinski, senior vice president of communications and human resources at NOVA Chemicals, in a news release.
Since 1993, Let’s Talk Science has reached children and educators in more than 2,000 communities within every province and territory across Canada, the company notes.