Building on the success and enthusiasm generated by the inaugural youth innovation projects in 2009, the Provincial Government today launched a call for proposals for new activities that support innovative learning experiences for youth.

The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, marked the launch of the call for proposals at St. Francis School in Harbour Grace where he was provided a demonstration of the school's SMART Board interactive whiteboards by grade six to nine students. Minister Skinner was accompanied at the event by the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, MHA, Carbonear-Harbour Grace.

"Facilitating valuable learning experiences for youth and introducing them at a young age to the opportunities that innovation presents is at the heart of the province's innovation strategy," said Minister Skinner. "Through this call for proposals we, as a government, are working to unleash the potential of today's youth and better position Newfoundland and Labrador in a global economy that places heavy emphasis on innovation."

Through its innovation strategy, Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity, the Provincial Government identified support for youth as an essential element in creating a culture of innovation in the province. As part of the strategy, projects that supported youth innovation and enhance the skills and capacity of the next generation of innovators were announced in December 2009.

"The interest that ensued from our initial call for proposals was tremendous," said Minister Skinner. "Submissions captured the intended goals, spanned all regions of the province, and incorporated a broad spectrum of innovative ideas. More importantly, they sparked the imaginations and interest of youth. In 2010-11, we are looking to extend that momentum."

For each initiative funded through the call for proposals, the Provincial Government will contribute up to 80 per cent of total costs to a maximum of $20,000. Eligible proponents include not-for-profit organizations, schools in the kindergarten to 12 system, post-secondary educational institutions, youth organizations, industry organizations, and regional economic development boards.

"Today's youth embrace change and innovation," said Norman Littlejohn, Technology Education Teacher, St. Francis School. "Our partnership with the Provincial Government has afforded us the opportunity to open avenues of communication for each of our students. Through our project, SMART Schools Sharing Space, our students explored communication with other students throughout the province, as well as with the Canadian Space Agency. Preparing students for the future is an intriguing challenge for educators. Support, such as that received from the Provincial Government allows us to challenge the status quo, explore new technologies, problem solve, ask questions and dream big. Teaching and learning in the 21^st century has endless possibilities! Partnerships are vital as we continue to prepare for the next generation."

The deadline to submit a proposal is October 1, 2010. The application form is available at

www.intrd.gov.nl.ca/intrd/innovation/youth/.

"I am very pleased to see schools in this area take advantage of programs that encourage innovation and creativity among our youth, said Minister Kennedy, MHA, Carbonear-Harbour Grace.

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