Funding To Spark Career Interest In Sciences

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. - With an 'eye' to opening teen's eyes to to the career possibilities in sciences, the provincial government has announced funding under its 'Year of Science' program.

Back in September, Premier Gordon Campbell announced the 2010-2011 school year would be the 'Year of Science'.  With the B.C. Labour Market Outlook report showing the highest upswing in science, engineering, technology and math-related occupations over the next decade, the government is hoping to interest youth in pursuing those careers.

To that end, Minister of Science and Universities, Ida Chong, has announced a $100-thousand dollar grant for the Association of Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C..  The association will use the funding to create work experience opportunities in applied sciences fields in several communities across the province, including Prince George, Prince Rupert and Fort St. John in the northern half of the province.

The association represents 95-hundred technology professionals across the province and plans to use the money to identify and coordinate job shadowing for high school students.

“B.C. needs more scientists, technologists, technicians and engineers to remain competitive in the global economy,” said John Leech, executive director of the ASTTBC. “With the funding from the Year of Science, ASTTBC will introduce grade 11 and 12 students to a variety of technology fields, to encourage them to pursue science-based careers.”

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us