New opportunities on the horizon for Let’s Talk Science volunteers thanks to The Margaret and Andrew Stephens Family Foundation

Thanks to a generous donation from the Margaret and Andrew Stephens Family Foundation, over the next five years post-secondary student volunteers will have opportunities to be rewarded for participating in professional development and training offered by Let’s Talk Science. The bursary program launches this summer with qualified volunteers eligible to apply for one of ten $1,000 bursaries this year.

“We are deeply grateful to the Stephens family for their generous gift, made in memory of Margaret. Over the next five years, these bursaries will reward and support volunteers who pursue our professional development opportunities. It will also enhance their community outreach activities and foster critical skills to aid them in their early careers.” said Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science.

The Margaret Stephens Professional Development Bursary is named in memory of Margaret Stephens. She was a lifelong learner who pursued an education in science at a time when it wasn’t traditional to do so for women.

“Let’s Talk Science exemplifies the type of organization and people that Margaret would have loved to have been associated with. Their emphasis on bringing science to life for everyone and helping build people’s STEM capabilities, especially for young women, align well with her passions and life experiences,” says her husband, Andrew Stephens. “She appreciated good friends, different perspectives, and strong communities. As a naturally giving person, she shared her love of life with family, friends, and everyone she interacted with.”

Let’s Talk Science is proud to partner with 55 post-secondary institutions across Canada, this year engaging over 1,200 volunteers in outreach activities. To support volunteers in building their skills and prioritizing their personal growth, we offer professional development workshops and resources, opportunities to learn through practice and resources that apply to their early careers.

As well as the practical knowledge volunteers gain through organizing STEM programming for children and youth, we offer virtual and in-person professional development opportunities to volunteers to help prepare them for their futures beyond post-secondary. Courses range from an introduction to leadership to designing sustainable workshop kits, creating disability-inclusive learning environments and Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

Thank you to The Margaret and Andrew Stephens Family Foundation for this generous gift that will expand our professional development program further and help even more volunteers prepare for their futures.