NOVA Chemicals commits $600K to try and stimulate STEM education across Canada

Manufacturing faces a labour shortage, and companies like NOVA Chemicals are donating money to try and stimulate interest in STEM careers related to manufacturing.

CALGARY — In celebration of World Science Day on November 10, NOVA Chemicals Corporation announced that it has renewed its commitment to Let’s Talk Science for three years with a donation of $600,000 (CAD). This multi-year financial commitment will support STEM education for children and youth across Canada.

Specifically, the funding will impact Let’s Talk Science’s education, outreach and climate science initiatives in Canada to:

• Build confidence and develop problem solving, creativity and innovative thinking skills in children and youth from Early Years to Grade 12 nationally, including in Indigenous and other under-served communities;
• Encourage youth to pursue STEM education and career paths, including in the chemical manufacturing sector.

As a company that relies on a range of scientists, engineers and technicians, NOVA Chemicals understands the importance of increasing science literacy in the next generation to fuel an increase in pursuing STEM careers. According to enrollment metrics, most youth in Canada are disengaging from STEM courses before graduating high school, and STEM representation is lacking for women, Indigenous people, historically marginalized communities and those who face additional barriers.

“There is a great need for a workforce equipped with STEM skills today and in the future. NOVA Chemicals is committed to supporting science education to encourage children and youth to consider STEM disciplines and enable high-paying research and development, engineering, and manufacturing positions right here in Canada,” said Mona Jasinski, Senior Vice President of Communications and Human Resources, NOVA Chemicals.