June 10, 2013 Toronto, Ontario. Actua, a national charitable organization providing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs to 225,000 youth annually, launched its newest initiative "Mining Minds" at York University on June 8, 2013. The program is designed to educate young people about Canada's geology and mineral resources, while promoting the mining industry and related career opportunities.
Canada is a leader in the competitive global mining industry. As world economies continue to grow so does the demand for Canada's mining expertise and the next generation of skilled workers. "Mining Minds" programs will be rolled out in communities across the country during the summer of 2013, engaging approximately 30,000 youth with a focus on those living in rural and remote areas where mines are located.
The launch at York University, a program member of Actua, on June 8, 2013 included a demonstration of drilling activities where over 40 youth engineered their own drill bits to explore and extract minerals.
"Mining Minds" industry partners providing mentoring and financial support include: GE Canada, a long-time Actua Cornerstone partner, Kinross Gold Corporation, Vale, Sabina Gold & Silver Corp., Glencore, MMG Ltd., and Major Drilling Group International Inc.
"We are very pleased to partner with post-secondary institutions and industry to create a program that is highly relevant and in-demand across Canada. Investing in outreach programs prepares the next generation of youth to participate fully in future economic development opportunities," says Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO of Actua.
"Actua has a 20-year track record of delivering engaging, interactive science, technology, engineering and math programs to youth across Canada," said Elyse Allan, President and CEO GE Canada. "Exposure to real-life scenarios and training in a fun environment allows youth to imagine what it would be like to have careers in the mining industry."
Workshop sessions and day camps are offered by undergraduate students in science, engineering and technology fields from universities across Canada. The students bring their knowledge and enthusiasm to the program, acting as mentors for the youth they reach.
Industry Partner Quotes:
"Responsible mining is central to Kinross' business philosophy, and we are pleased to support an education program that encourages our youth to take the lead in the responsible management of our mineral resources." Ed Opitz, Vice President Corporate Responsibility at Kinross Gold Corporation.
MMG is proud to support the 'Mining Minds' initiative as part of the development of the next generation of employees and decision-makers in the minerals sector. Ensuring that the youth of Canada are equipped with knowledge of one the country's key industries is an important long-term investment," said Mr Sahba Safavi, Project Manager -- Canada.
"Major Drilling is happy to support Actua and to partner in developing a drilling program, in order to help educate Canadian youth about our industry." said Robin Sauvé Marketing Director Major Drilling
Actua is a registered charity with a twenty-year track record of success in providing hands-on, interactive education enrichment experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to Canadian youth aged 6 to 16 years. Our strength is the scope of our national reach and geographic footprint. We deliver programming in every province and territory, reaching 225,000 young Canadians in 450-500 communities nationwide each year, including over 30,000 Aboriginal youth. Actua invests heavily in breaking down barriers to science literacy and is a national leader in the development and delivery of customized programming for Aboriginal youth, girls, underprivileged youth, and youth living in remote and inner city communities.
Actua's mission is to provide life-changing experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) so that ALL youth can be inspired to achieve their potential and fulfill their critical role in the world.
Media Contacts:
Leslie Cuthbertson
Actua
613 234 4137 or cell 819 661 9894
Kim Warburton
GE Canada
905 858 5678 or cell 416 561 8316
Kim Warburton
GE Global Growth Organization
[email protected]
+1 905 8585678
+ 1416 5618316