Retired Canadian Space Agency astronaut, Robert Thirsk helps announce SAP’s investment in Let’s Talk Science and young digital talent in Canada

(Vancouver, BC) SAP Canada announces a $300,000 investment in Let’s Talk Science and a commitment to developing the digital literacy skills of Canadian youth. As technology disrupts nearly all aspects of work and life, efforts are mounting to prepare students for work and citizen demands in an information era.

SAP’s support will enable Let’s Talk Science to engage students of all ages in diverse programming, including the national experiment with the Canadian Space Agency, Living Space, which involves data collection and analysis. These foundational skills will help better prepare youth for a transforming world.

“Kids of all ages and their educators are becoming more comfortable bringing technology to the classroom,” says Bonnie Schmidt, President, Let’s Talk Science. “SAP recognizes how important it is to provide youth and educators with the resources, strategies and tools necessary to help prepare Canadian youth to participate and thrive in a digital economy.”

Former Canadian Space Agency astronaut, Robert Thirsk was there for the announcement to inspire students and educators about the future of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The STEM advocate and mentor, Thirsk spoke about changing technologies and the future of outer space.

“In today’s digital economy, we need to educate youth differently than we did in the past,” says Kirsten Sutton, Vice President & Managing Director, SAP Labs Canada. “Digital literacy means more than just learning to code. To be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, students must be encouraged to think creatively and critically, across disciplines, and to work collaboratively to solve problems. We’re thrilled to support Let’s Talk Science’s digital literacy programs, like Living Space, that prove to kids that learning can be fun, inspiring and effective.”

Over 40 Grade 6 - 9 students and educators also had the opportunity engage in hands-on learning activities through coding and to hear from industry leaders in a panel discussion about developing digital talent across the country. Topics included the benefits of hands-on learning activities through coding using Micro:bits, the cultivation of interest in STEM careers, successful partnerships between government, industry, community and education leaders, and more.

ABOUT LET’S TALK SCIENCE

Let’s Talk Science – leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators and volunteers across Canada. Let’s Talk Science’s national office is located in London, Ontario. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.

ABOUT SAP

As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device - SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 388,000 business and public-sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit sap.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Grace Hon
FleishmanHillard HighRoad
Grace.hon@fhhighroad.com
604-839-6770

Sarah Hogeveen
Let’s Talk Science
shogeveen@letstalkscience.ca
1-877-474-4081 ext.239