Carleton University’s Virtual Ventures program, headed up by part-time Sprott School of Business MBA student and Carleton mechanical engineering graduate, Mawuena Torkornoo, has been awarded NSERC PromoScience funding to expand and enhance its programming for girls, particularly those in grades 7, 8 and 9. The $17,000 grant will help Virtual Ventures come up with creative ways to reach and engage girls in engineering technology.
Virtual Ventures was established in 1994. Over the course of its history, the program has opened the world of science and technology to more than 20,000 kids through innovative programming in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Virtual Ventures is a not-for-profit organization run by engineering and design students who want to make a difference in young lives.
“There is a pressing need for girls in these grades to be engaged in STEM fields, and this funding shows that NSERC recognizes that need,” says Torkornoo. “NSERC’s support for our outreach efforts to girls will help Virtual Ventures nurture a new generation of women engineers.”
Programs run through Virtual Ventures include summer camps, fall and winter clubs, a school outreach program and Girl Guide and Pathfinders STEM badge days. Dedicated programs for girls and Aboriginal youth are offered. The program is open to all students in grades 1 through 10 and is accessible to all levels of ability.
For more information on Virtual Ventures please visit: Carleton.ca/vv.
About NSERC’s PromoScience Program:
NSERC’s PromoScience Program offers financial support for organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering (including mathematics and technology). Through PromoScience, up to $2.75 million in funding, including new awards and commitments made in previous competitions, will be available to organizations each year. PromoScience supports hands-on learning experiences for young students and their science teachers.
Media Inquiries:
Chris Cline
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
christopher_cline@carleton.ca
Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/CUnewsroom
Need an expert? Go to: Carleton.ca/newsroom/experts