For Immediate release
Toronto, Ontario (March 28, 2005) Visions of Science Network for Learning and five community service organizations will launch science clubs for middle school students throughout the Greater Toronto Area starting the week of April 4.
Clubs will be run by the following organizations: Visions at Pearson Collegiate in the Malvern area of Scarborough; Jane Finch Concerned Citizens Organisation at Oakdale Middle School; Dixon Community Services at the group's Etobicoke office; Scadding Court Community Centre at Ryerson Public School, and Burkes' Foundation at Burke's Bookstore, Canada's oldest black bookseller.
"It's important for youth of African heritage to have increased access and exposure to science and technology principles in a supportive and non-threatening environment," said Sam Burke, co-owner of the bookstore. "These goals are attainable when youth are challenged and feel that they belong. What better place to have yourself validated than in a community science club," he continued.
The science clubs are accepting middle school participants and will provide year-round fun and interactive programming. The clubs also need more grade 11 and 12 volunteers. These high school volunteers will have the opportunity to gain leadership skills and mentorship opportunities that can be used toward their 40 hours of community involvement activities. University and college students can also volunteer along with working professionals and anyone with an interest in education.
The clubs are an extension of Visions of Science Network for Learning's symposium. This year the annual event will be held at the University of Toronto on May 20 and 21.
"The clubs will provide opportunities for youth to experience the joy of science and technology by performing hands-on activities that will increase their knowledge of science principles," said Visions Executive Director Francis Jeffers.
For further information or if you would like to get involved with the science clubs please visit www.visionsofscience.ca for volunteer and registration forms, call 416-266-6464 or 1-866-363-2999.
Visions of Science Network for Learning is a Toronto based incorporated non-profit organization founded in 1991 to promote science and technology in the black, African Canadian, Caribbean community and other underrepresented groups, and encourage the next generation into those fields. Visions is a member of the Science and Technology Awareness Network. The annual symposium highlights the achievements of African Canadians and others throughout the Diaspora from the early 19th century to present. Over 1,000 people attend the annual event.
