Announcing the 2020 National Volunteer Award Winners!
Each year, we recognize the Let’s Talk Science Outreach volunteers who have exceeded expectations with four prestigious awards to applaud their outstanding contributions to volunteerism and Let’s Talk Science.
We’re proud to present the 2020 winners of The David Colcleugh Leadership Award, the Indigenous Outreach Award, the National Volunteer Award Online (formerly known as the National Volunteer Award, CurioCity) and the National Volunteer Award for Let’s Talk Science Outreach.
The David Colcleugh Leadership Award for Let's Talk Science Outreach Coordinators
The David Colcleugh Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding Let’s Talk Science Outreach site coordinator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, meaning (s)he has influenced people to create positive change through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) outreach.
Winner: Jacqueline Barnett, Let’s Talk Science at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus
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.
“The greatest legacy I could conceive for myself would be to inspire others to dream more, to learn more and to ultimately become more. I have experienced first-hand the way an influential leader can shape the trajectory of a person's life.”
Learn more about the winner by watching their celebration video!
Indigenous Outreach Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach
This award recognizes a project initiated by an Outreach site (or sites) that demonstrates a strong, positive impact on Indigenous youth through involvement in STEM-focused learning opportunities.
2020 Award Winner: An incredible journey with Inuuqatigiit
Presented to Let’s Talk Science at the University of Ottawa
Volunteer team: Amaal Abdi, Connor Kupchak, Kelly Xu, Matthew Robrigado, Olivia Pantoja, and Sue McKee
Since March 2019 and 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. 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.
“The engagement from Let’s Talk Science helps our children and youth find their strength using a more hands-on approach to promote a positive learning experience. Let’s Talk Science is an important part of our program at Inuuqatigiit and we plan to continue this wonderful partnership with them to provide an opportunity for our children to learn while having fun.” – Daniel Fyfe, Inuuqatigiit, Youth Manager
Learn more about the winner by watching their celebration video!
2020 National Volunteer Award, Online (formerly known as CurioCity)
This award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and made outstanding contributions to Let’s Talk Science through their online activities.
Winner: Sarah Zankar
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.
Learn more about the winner by watching their celebration video!
National Volunteer Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach
The recipient is a volunteer committed to enhancing science education through effective communication, innovation in approach and in their activities, and is a positive role model for children and teens.
Winner: Madeson Todd, University of British Columbia
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.
“Madeson has truly championed this program, contributing more than 100 hours to its development over the past 9 months, and working tirelessly to foster and maintain great relationships within the Indigenous community and other STEM outreach groups… We are truly lucky that Madeson has chosen to work with LTS-UBC.” - Sarah Woodward, UBC Executive Coordinator
Learn more about the winner by watching their celebration video!
Thank you to all of the applicants and congratulations to the 2020 winners!
If you feel inspired by these amazing volunteers, join the Let’s Talk Science Outreach community!
To see a full list of the finalists, visit our website.