BGC Canada (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada) and Let’s Talk Science are looking forward to working together to create high-quality, virtual programming that supports youth in vulnerable communities across Canada as they recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let’s Talk Science is a national charitable organization with nearly 30 years of experience providing engaging, experiential, and evidence-based STEM programming for Canadian youth and educators. Let’s Talk Science programs connect the world of science, technology and innovation with education, bringing STEM to life in meaningful ways that build diversity and inclusion, and awareness of future opportunities. Through in person and virtual programming, Let’s Talk Science helps to reduce barriers to STEM, and build interest and a sense of belonging for all children and youth in Canada.
Virtual programming has been implemented in BGC Clubs since the early years of the pandemic and proved to be quite successful for both the Clubs and the nearly 4,000 youth who have so far benefited from BGC online programs. An evaluation report from the first year of the pandemic found that virtual programming at BGC Clubs actively reduced barriers (transportation, income, technology, etc.), provided better wraparound services, increased family engagement, and even reached new members outside of Clubs.
Funding from Employment and Social Development Canada will allow BGC Canada to enhance the programming available to BGC Clubs across the country through this collaboration with Let’s Talk Science. Through this new partnership, Let’s Talk Science will connect with BGC Clubs to assist with the implementation of programming for ages 3 – 17 and provide them with the required training and resources to deliver Let’s Talk Science programming within their Club communities.
About BGC Canada
For 120+ years, BGC Canada has been creating opportunities for millions of Canadian kids and teens. As Canada’s largest child and youth serving charitable and community services organization, our Clubs open their doors to young people of all ages and their families at 775 locations nationwide. During out-of-school hours in small and large cities, and rural and Indigenous communities, our trained staff and volunteers provide programs and services that help young people realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, job readiness, mental health, social development, leadership, and more. Opportunity changes everything. Learn more at bgccan.com and follow us on social media @BGCCAN.
About Let’s Talk Science
Let’s Talk Science – a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering children and youth of all ages in Canada to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada. Let’s Talk Science’s national office is located in London, Ontario. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.
