Government of Canada invests in Let’s Talk Science and the future of Canadian youth

Let’s Talk Science thanks the Government of Canada for its renewed commitment in our work. Budget 2019 announced an investment of $10 million over two years to Let’s Talk Science, thereby extending its current commitment to 2022. This investment will enable more Canadian children and youth to engage in programming that develops key competencies such as critical thinking, problem solving and communication as well as career awareness needed in a rapidly changing world underpinned by science and technology.

“We are humbled by the confidence the Government of Canada continues to show in Let’s Talk Science,” says President and Founder, Dr. Bonnie Schmidt. “We are committed to providing meaningful and relevant learning experiences using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to support critical skill development in youth and children across the country.”

Renewed support from the Government of Canada will ensure Let’s Talk Science programs remain accessible to children, youth and educators across Canada. With a historic commitment to collaboration, Let’s Talk Science works with post-secondary institutions, research partners, industry, community organizations and others to build strategic partnerships that connect the Canadian education system with the STEM community to develop a talented generation of citizens, workers, entrepreneurs, innovators and change agents needed for Canada’s future.

Since the 2015 investment from the Government of Canada, Let’s Talk Science programs and resources have been provided at no cost and accessed in more than 2,500 communities.

Since 2015:

• Let’s Talk Science achieved over 3.1 million youth interactions
  • More than 80% of youth surveyed report Let’s Talk Science increased their interest and confidence in STEM studies
  • A single outreach workshop improves the interest of more than half of students in taking optional high school STEM classes
  • More than half of students report having a better understanding of the diversity of STEM careers after Let’s Talk Science
  • Let’s Talk Science facilitated more than 1,800 programs with more than 53,000 Indigenous youth

• More than 67,000 educators accessed Let’s Talk Science programs and resources
  • Educators report 22-28% gains in their confidence teaching STEM after a single professional learning workshop
  • More than 85% of educators accessing Let’s Talk Science resources report increased confidence and enthusiasm for teaching STEM
• Let’s Talk Science Outreach grew from 45 to 49 sites across Canada, engaging post-secondary volunteers from coast to coast to coast
  • More than 80% of Let’s Talk Science volunteers report building essential skills including leadership, problem solving, communication, planning and organizing, time management, decision-making and networking
  • 89% report better collaboration and teamwork skills
• Let’s Talk Science catalyzed an ambitious national discussion about the future of STEM education through Canada 2067 and developed a vision and measurable goals with over 750,000 public contributions.

Over 25 years, Let’s Talk Science has impacted more than 7.4 million children, youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada. We remain committed to inspiring futures and supporting youth development through STEM engagement.