Federal funding to help U of L’s TLC program

The federal government is helping more young minds to be ignited by the wonders of science thanks to a three-year investment plan in the University of Lethbridge’s Destination Exploration Travelling Lab Coasts (TLC) program.

The government’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) PromoScience funding for 2017-20 was announced recently with Destination Exploration being awarded $54,000 over the next three years to augment the robust TLC program. In total, $11.9 million in funding was awarded for 163 grants throughout the country.

“Our government understands the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity and a passion for science among our kids and youth,” said Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, in a press release. “PromoScience funding will help inspire young Canadians to make science part of not only their education, but their careers and their lives. When we support young Canadians, as these grants will do, we teach them that they can achieve their greatest dreams.”

The U of L’s director of Youth Outreach, Valerie Archibald, said the funding will allow the TLC program to spread its reach to bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programing to a larger group of kindergarten to Grade 8 level students.

“Annually, we have been able to reach between 700 to 800 students, and with this funding we are trying to double that reach and specifically, bring more rural students into the program,” said Archibald.

STEM programming consists of inclass workshops from a team of undergraduate students, designed to develop interest in the sciences through interactive activities. The workshops are connected to the teaching curriculum for Alberta students and often involve equipment and activities otherwise unavailable to schools.

“The whole goal is to show STEM in a new and fun way that gets students engaged and inspires them to want to continue to learn more,” said Archibald.

NSERC PromoScience program offers financial support for organizations working with young Canadians to promote the understanding of science and engineering. The TLC program runs in May and June each year while Destination Exploration also offers a variety of science clubs and summer camps.