Founded in 1977, Science World British Columbia is a non-profit centre dedicated to creating hands-on, informal learning experiences in science and technology.
Last year at an event at Science World, Premier Christy Clark said that recognizing that skilled expertise in the fields of science and technology will be essential if we hope to compete in a knowledge-based economy.
Yet, less than a year after recognizing the program’s valuable contributions in promoting science and technology learning, the Conservatives have announced that funding for Science World’s outreach program will be cut in September.
Costing just $1 million out of a budget of $44 billion, the outreach program brings science learning to remote communities where youths do not have the same access to learning experiences as their urban counterparts.
Tell the Conservative government that to cut funding to a vital, affordable educational program is not only needlessly tight-fisted, but also patently unfair to disadvantaged youth.
To: B.C. Premier Christy Clark
We are writing today to urge that funding to the Science World Program, which promotes science learning to youth throughout the province, be reinstated.
Science and technology careers are predicted to have the largest growth rate amongst all careers over the coming decades; therefore it is vital to spark interest in science and technology at an early age, so that our youth will have the necessary skills for careers in a knowledge-based economy.
That is why the Science World Program is so important. Not only is its centre of operations visited by thousands of schoolchildren every year, but its outreach program brings science learning to remote communities where youth may not have the same science education opportunities as youth in urban areas.
We believe that encouraging our children to consider careers in science and technology is instrumental in establishing a stable economic future for them and all Canadians.
$1-million yearly to fund Science World’s outreach program (out of a $44-billion budget!) is a very small price to pay for the enormous benefits the facility provides.