December 20, 2011
Projects Directed at Unleashing the Potential of Youth
Creating multi-media video productions, building remotely operated vehicles, and developing green initiatives are some of the experiences youth will enjoy in winter 2012 under the Provincial Government’s Youth Innovation initiative.
With a total investment of $526,779, 29 initiatives are being funded in response to a youth innovation call for proposals. Launched in August 2011, the youth innovation call for proposals requested submissions from not-for-profit organizations, schools in the kindergarten to grade 12 system, post-secondary educational institutions, youth and industry organizations, and regional economic development boards for innovative learning experiences for young people.
“The value of innovation has never been greater,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “We are living in a highly-competitive world that places a premium on knowledge and innovation. Projects supported through the call for proposals enable youth to see the role of innovation in their daily lives, the opportunities it presents, and how innovation can shape their thinking as they move forward in school and later into the workforce.”
Minister Hutchings made the announcement today at Goulds Elementary where he was joined by John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride, and school officials.
“We are pleased to host today’s announcement as innovation is critical in the development of today’s youth,” said Agnes Brennan, Principal, Goulds Elementary. “Our teachers and students are excited about the implementation of our innovative initiative that will bring iPads to the classrooms. It is our hope that this technology will help students reach higher levels of educational success. As a school, we are continuously seeking ways to use technology and enhance learning for our students.”
Launched in 2006, Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity has served as the Provincial Government’s framework to stimulate a culture of innovation across traditional and knowledge-driven industries. In addition to a focus on youth, the strategy has also served as the foundation for a broad range of initiatives geared towards increasing the province’s telecommunications capacity, developing Oceans of Opportunity – a five-year strategy focused on accelerating the growth of the ocean technology sector, and creating a human genetics research facility at Memorial University.
“We have made tremendous progress under the innovation strategy,” said Minister Hutchings. “It has successfully guided the Provincial Government and our community partners as we strengthen the province’s international reputation as a centre for innovation and position Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy for the future.”
For each initiative funded through the call for proposals, the Provincial Government is contributing up to 80 per cent of total project costs to a maximum of $20,000.
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Photo: The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride, along with teachers and officials from Goulds Elementary at the announcement of the Provincial Government's Youth Innovation initiative.
Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Agnes Brennan Principal Goulds Elementary 709-368-8351 |
BACKGROUNDER
2012 Youth Innovation Projects
Amalgamated Academy, Bay Roberts, $20,000
To organize Amalgamated Academy’s Virtual Media Festival, which will be
aimed at grade 7-9 students. The focus will be on environmental stewardship,
cultural connections, and student perceptions of living in the digital age.
Baccalieu Youth Employment Network, Carbonear, $14,200
To assist youth develop innovative approaches to job searching.
Belanger Memorial, Codroy Valley, $5,000
To assist students build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and attend the
provincial ROV competition at the Marine Institute of Memorial University.
Bishop’s College, St. John’s, $16,960
To assist in the coordination of the Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Science and Technology Fair.
Carbonear Collegiate, Carbonear, $20,000
To introduce students to the world of 3D modeling and animation through the
design and development of multimedia learning objects
Clarenville Middle School, Clarenville, $19,945
To utilize youth-oriented technology and develop multi-media video
productions.
College of the North Atlantic, Burin, $13,485
To hold a science Olympics targeting elementary students from the Burin
Peninsula.
Earth Day Canada, $19,971
To provide training to high school students throughout Newfoundland and
Labrador so that they can become environmental mentors for elementary school
children.
First Lego League Competition, Mount Pearl, $20,000
To coordinate the international robotics program, which encourages students
to assemble robots to accomplish tasks involved in solving a ‘real world’
problem.
Frank Roberts Junior High, Conception Bay South, $19,965
To encourage and develop youth innovation and creativity using mobile
multi-media technology.
Goulds Elementary, Goulds, $20,000
To introduce students to tablet technology within such subject areas as
language, mathematics, social studies, science, and art.
Holy Heart High School, St. John’s, $9,200
To provide students with exposure to modern fisheries science technology, as
part of an investigation of marine ecology in Conception Bay.
Holy Spirit High School, Conception Bay South, $19,992
To develop a pilot educational course on agri-tourism farm activities. The
course will be coordinated in collaboration with Lester Farms Inc. and the
Marine Institute of Memorial University.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook, $20,000
To initiate a sustainable greenhouse project that will be a model for other
schools and local greenhouses. It will help students become leaders in
agri-food innovation.
Main River Academy, Pollard’s Point, $16,054
To increase student awareness of advanced technologies and environmental
issues such as wildlife, water, soils, and forestry through the Internet and
smart technologies.
Marine Institute of Memorial University, $20,000
To host a competition where junior high students design, develop, and
operate a remotely operated vehicle.
Marine Institute of Memorial University, $20,000
To host a youth and the oceans conference series throughout the province and
create awareness of the opportunities in the ocean technology sector.
Marine Institute of Memorial University, $12,700
To organize a model boat race for schools in the Eastern School District and
introduce students to possible career opportunities in marine systems
design.
Millcrest Academy, Grand Falls-Windsor, $20,000
To introduce the use of tablets such as iPad or Android to students as an
opportunity to encourage interactivity, collaboration, and creativity.
Mount Pearl Intermediate, Mount Pearl, $20,000
To maintain a series of technology-related activities focused on innovation
for the youth of Newfoundland and Labrador. The theme for the activities is
‘Giving Students a Digital Voice.’
Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, $19,333
To partner with Marine Institute of Memorial University to create awareness
among students and teachers regarding advances in aquaculture.
O’Donel High School, Mount Pearl, $20,000
To establish a program in which youth conduct real investigative science in
coastal oceans and estuaries in the province.
Skills Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador, Mount Pearl, $20,000
To host an intermediate skills challenge for students in such areas as
robotics, television video web design, computer animation, and graphic
design.
St. Francis School, Harbour Grace, $20,000
Using tablet and video technology, students study aviation, and broadcast to
other schools the design and construction process of creating a rocket.
St. Paul’s Junior High School, St. John’s, $20,000
To help students develop the skills needed to be environmental experts
through the use of advanced agriculture techniques.
Students on Ice, $20,000
To provide two youth from Newfoundland and Labrador with the opportunity to
participate in ship-based educational expeditions to Antarctica.
Women in Science and Engineering, $20,000
To develop a network of well-informed female mentors who will help encourage
students to pursue post-secondary opportunities in the fields of science,
engineering, and technology.
2011 12 20 10:20 a.m.