Education
December 17, 2012
Youth Innovation Call for Proposals Launched by Provincial Government
Beginning today (Monday, December 17) the Provincial Government is inviting proposals for projects that support and promote youth innovation.
Through the Youth Innovation Call for Proposals, the Provincial Government is contributing to valuable learning experiences for students in grades K-12 and those enrolled in a post-secondary institution. The initiative helps create awareness of the value of innovation in the province’s high-growth resource and non-resource based industries, with particular emphasis on environmental and ocean technology sectors.
“The exciting and diverse range of opportunities for youth is as good in Newfoundland and Labrador as anywhere,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Through this initiative, we are helping to create the platform that connects youth, in a deep and meaningful way, to those opportunities while highlighting the central role of innovation. Our investments are focused on creating long-lasting experiences for youth that will benefit rural and urban areas.”
Since its initial call for proposals in 2009, the Provincial Government has invested close to $1.4 million and levered another $2.5 million from other sources, for 80 activities that support youth innovation. Eligible initiatives include youth events related to science, engineering and technology, innovative learning processes with supplementary resources for science and technology, and mentorship programs.
“The science and technology curriculum in Newfoundland and Labrador encourages creative thinking and innovation, and through this initiative we are providing an opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned in class in a practical manner,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “It’s a great way for schools to be on the cutting edge of 21st century learning, and I encourage as many as possible to apply.”
For more information on the call for proposals, visit www.gov.nl.ca/ibrd, or contact one of the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s offices, which are listed in the backgrounder below. This initiative provides non-repayable contributions, up to 80 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $20,000. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, January 30, 2013.
This call for proposals was established under Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity. Since its launch in 2006, Newfoundland and Labrador’s first innovation strategy has guided Provincial Government investments in private sector enterprises, educational institutions, and key infrastructure. Some of the successes stemming from the strategy include an increase in the province’s telecommunications capacity, creation of the Research & Development Corporation, and the establishment of the Craig L. Dobbin Genetic Research Centre.
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Media contacts:
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Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
2012 12 17 1:20 p.m.