RADF Investment: $900,000

Other Investment: $300,000

Total Investment: $1.2 million

Project Period: July 2011 - December 2013

T: 403.220.0077

The Rural Youth Science Network is an innovative face-to-face and social media program aimed at engaging youth in science and technology by showcasing the need for science-related jobs of the future. The program focuses on hands-on engagement where high school students meet at post-secondary institutions for facilitated sessions, connecting them with the network and tuned into everyday science in their communities. Youth from five regions of the province will work on science projects of their interest and collaborate to create digital content such as animations, videos and photography to showcase real science applications. The project is lead by the Science Alberta Foundation partnered with the University of Lethbridge and Red Deer College.

All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:

• Economic growth will take place in form of a skilled workforce for new job growth and building community capacity for better informed decision-making regarding science and technology initiatives in rural Alberta
• Youth will become better informed about science topics affecting rural Alberta and the science and technology career opportunities that exist in their own communities in rural Alberta
• Youth will realize potential for job growth in science sector and learn about programs offered at local post-secondary institutions
• Youth will develop writing, multimedia, team-building, critical thinking, research and evaluation of information skills, all which are required to successful workers of the future