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York University and Imperial Oil inspire kids to explore the wonders of science
| Toronto, ON,
July 1, 2006
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Rumbling through the jungle, building a water park, making your own quicksand
– just how much fun can a kid have all in one summer? York University has
the answer with its Science Explorations program – a camp that offers fun,
hands-on activities that engage and encourage children, ages 8-11, to learn
and explore topics in science and engineering.
Science
Explorations is a not-for-profit outreach program, based out of the Faculty of
Science and Engineering at York University. The program is designed to
increase scientific literacy and appreciation in the community and is made
possible because of a $250,000 donation by Imperial Oil.
This donation is part of an overall $500,000 contribution Imperial Oil has
made to York University to support its Science Outreach Program - a program
responsible for launching science camps at the university, managing the
Science Speaker’s Bureau in elementary and high school science classes, and
coordinating the university’s Science Olympics.
“At
Imperial Oil we believe that investing in a high quality education system for
young people will help address the country’s growing need for educated youth
and science and technology skills,” said Monica Samper, president, Imperial
Oil Foundation. “We are delighted to be able to partner with York University
as they work to inspire children with the wonders of science.”
While the Science Explorations program is targeted to the immediate community
around York in the adjacent Jane-Finch corridor and surrounding area, children
from all areas, all backgrounds, interests and aspirations are welcome to
attend. The camp is offered for four weeks starting July 10, 2006.
“It’s so important to expose our youth to science at a young age and
especially to do it in a way that’s both fun and engaging,” said the camp’s
director, Darlee Gerrard. “To hold a program of this nature at the University
also exposes these kids to a university environment and, hopefully, leaves
them with a very positive impression.”
Over the past
five years, Imperial Oil has invested more than
$15 million in
education-related initiatives across Canada. The company has been a proud part
of Canada for 126 years, contributing to communities from coast to coast since
the company’s inception in 1880.
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