UNBC Active Minds at the University of Northern British Columbia joins the Actua Network

Media Release

Ottawa - August 27, 2020

Today Actua announced UNBC Active Minds at the University of Northern British Columbia as its newest network member.  Based in Prince George, British Columbia, UNBC Active Minds is Actua’s 41st national network member and the sixth in British Columbia.

“We are very pleased to be welcoming UNBC Active Minds as our newest network member,” said Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua. “This program is doing critical work to bring STEM opportunities to youth in the Northern regions of British Columbia and we will be there to support them every step of the way.”

UNBC Active Minds annually engages youth ages 6-12 through workshops and summer camps in Prince George and surrounding communities. UNBC Active Minds is committed to reaching all youth, and offers customized programs for girls, Indigenous youth and youth facing socio-economic challenges.

“This collaboration with Actua will assist UNBC Active Minds as we extend our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programming to better engage underserved populations and continue to improve our Indigenous outreach,” said Nicole Gibson, UNBC Active Minds Development Officer – Sponsorship and Community Engagement. “Actua’s extensive resource network is a wonderful tool we can use to strengthen our program to educate, energize and empower more young people  in northern British Columbia.”

As part of Actua’s growing network, UNBC Active Minds contributes to a national strategy for equipping Canadian youth with skills and experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Directors and instructors receive access to outstanding training, resources, and day-to-day support as they grow their programs. They also participate in and receive financial support for their involvement in Actua’s national programs designed specifically to engage underserved youth.

About UNBC Active Minds at the University of Northern British Columbia

Active Minds at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) recognizes that the Northern regions of BC have substantially less access to STEM opportunities for youth than other BC regions. It is our goal to close this gap by bringing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming to communities throughout the North. Our programs have been built to garner enthusiasm and interest in STEM at a young age in order to arm children with healthy curiosity, and the scientific and technological knowledge that will foster interest in STEM post-secondary and prime them for success throughout their journey’s in STEM. Active Minds incorporates enhanced student support, industry driven programming, hands on learning and problem solving to empower our learners. For more information about UNBC Active Minds please visit unbc.ca/activeminds.

About Actua

Actua is Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach network representing over 40 university and college based members. Each year, Actua’s growing network of member organizations reach over 300,000 young Canadians in 500 communities nationwide. Actua focuses on the engagement of underrepresented youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, at-risk youth and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Its national InSTEM program reaches over 35,000 Indigenous youth per year in over 200 Indigenous communities. Actua’s major funding partners include: Government of Canada, Google.org, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), RBC Foundation, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD Bank Group, Toyota Canada Foundation, Finning Canada, Microsoft Canada, Imperial, Lockheed Martin Canada. For more information about Actua, visit actua.ca.information about Actua, visit actua.ca.

Contact Information

Kristina Martin, Director of Communications, Actua
111 Murray Street, Ottawa ON K1N 5M5
Tel: (613) 234 4137 Fax: 613 234 4779
Email: kristina.martin@actua.ca
Web: www.actua.ca