Red Deer Polytechnic has renewed a partnership with an organization that focuses on science and technology for youth.
RDP's Red Hot Science program received a $125,000 grant from Actua, Canada's largest STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) outreach organization. The funding is through the federal government's Strategic Science Fund, which is aimed at supporting technology and innovation initiatives.
The Red Hot Science program is aimed at students from kindergarten to Grade 12 and aimed at providing hands-on activities to learn about technology, engineering and other science-based pursuits. Typical activities include learning simple coding, building robots or performing experiments in RDP's biology, chemistry or physics labs.
“Through the Red Hot Science program at RDP, central Alberta youth receive unique scientific exploration opportunities in collaboration with the polytechnic’s faculty, staff and students," said Robbie Halonen, dean of Donald School of Science, Business and Computing
"As a result, youth are inspired to pursue a career in STEM, helping to fulfill the needs of the province and nation.”
Last year, five RDP faculty and staff members and 15 student volunteers engaged 2,500 youth, including 300 Indigenous youth, through the Red Hot Science program. In partnership with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Indigenous Elders, leaders and organizations, RDP has also offered immersive Indigenous Land Camps through Actua funding.
RDP offers more than 80 industry-relevant programs, which includes a variety of post-secondary STEM courses and programs to help prepare students for the labour force and advance innovation.
Actua has become Canada’s largest STEM outreach organization. It represents a national network of 43 universities and colleges that engage youth and adults, aged 6-26, in STEM learning experiences.