Announcing the 2020 National Let’s Talk Science Award Finalists

Geneviève has put a strong emphasis on accessibility to STEM education, including greater access to STEM-based learning for students of multiple languages and cultural backgrounds and students with learning disabilities.

Since Jacqueline became a site coordinator at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in May 2019, she has helped improve the site’s reach drastically with newly developed activities while putting an emphasis on volunteer engagement through multiple recognition initiatives.

Shalini has expanded her site’s impact through the creation of large events and symposiums, such as the Tri-Sci Tournament and the formation of a volunteer executive team.

Amanda has led rural outreach visits in the Yukon as part of her myriad of volunteering experiences with the University of Toronto - Scarborough campus. She demonstrated how STEM could intersect the arts by building a coding workshop using household items.

Hana has constantly used effective and innovative teaching strategies while leading activities at the University of Guelph. She brought creative new ideas to increase online engagement and enhance her site’s social media presence at events like the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Kelly has shown great flexibility and uses effective questioning techniques when leading activities at the University of Ottawa. This year she initiated a partnership with the Ottawa Robotics Competition to help create opportunities for students in underrepresented groups to engage with STEM.

Madeson has demonstrated a clear vision of supporting Indigenous youth and how to incorporate Indigenous culture into STEM activities at the University of British Columbia. One way she did that was through piloting a mentorship program for Indigenous youth this year.

Shiva has inspired students with her curiosity and love of learning through her many volunteering activities at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus. She has shown a continued commitment to helping young women find and maintain their place in STEM.

Throughout the writing and review process, Dhanvini focused on effective communication practices to understand the viewpoint of a young reader and create content that was clear, creative and easily understood.

Nadia showed her understanding of the importance of online outreach through writing to engage and make scientific concepts interesting and accessible for students across the country.

As a content reviewer, Sarah was drawn to colourful and creative articles and found ways to add diagrams, images, colours, videos and catchy sentences to help engage students and stimulate their passion for STEM.

In the first year of a partnership with First Nation Education Initiative Incorporated (FNEII) in New Brunswick, volunteers reached 255 Indigenous Youth and delivered over 24 activities in all but one of the Indigenous elementary schools in New Brunswick. Their aim was to raise STEM awareness among Indigenous students and inspire them to have the self-efficacy, knowledge and passion to be interested in STEM and hopefully one day pursue a related career.

As part of an ongoing partnership working with Inuit children at Inuuqatigiit’s Tukimut Afterschool Program, volunteers completed 46 activities with 855 youth at Inuuqatigiit since March, 2019. Their main goal was to encourage an interest and excitement in science by connecting with Inuit youth, listening to their stories, and showing them that science is all around us.