CASTL teams up with STEAM PEI to deliver hands-on bioscience workshops for K-12 students
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is partnering with STEAM PEI to develop experiential learning opportunities
Charlottetown, PE – The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is pleased to announce their partnership with STEAM PEI, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young Islanders to pursue learning and careers in science, technology, engineering, art and math. CASTL and STEAM PEI are offering camps and workshops to provide K-12 students with experiential learning opportunities centered on bioscience and local bioscience companies.
CASTL and STEAM PEI share a common goal of fostering curiosity and building excitement for life sciences through hands-on learning, while also developing the talent to meet the future needs of Canada’s bioscience industry. Students will explore a wide range of bioscience topics in the programs including human health, biomechanics, biochemistry, climate change and sustainability, through engaging activities. These workshops strive to break down a barrier to a future career in bioscience by changing perspectives and encouraging students to build confidence in their math and lab skills.
“We are proud to be working with STEAM PEI to create programs that inspire curiosity and engage students in life sciences from an early age,” said Wendy McIsaac, Program Director, Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences. “STEAM workshops will give students a hands-on experience with bioscience while highlighting careers and opportunities that await them in the field.”
Workshops kicked off in high schools in PEI this month, with week-long camps to be offered to elementary school students throughout the province this summer, including a camp to be delivered in French. These programs are also supported by BioVectra, who have employees assisting in facilitating the workshops to help make connections between in-class learning and future career options in bioscience. The STEAM PEI instructors are typically senior year or recent graduates of STEM or teaching programs, as well as professional engineers and certified teachers.
“At STEAM PEI, we strive to reach all PEI students, especially girls, Indigenous students, and students from low socio-economic backgrounds who are traditionally under-represented in STEM fields,” said Amber Jadis, Program Manager, STEAM PEI. “We are excited about this opportunity to bring fun, hands-on bioscience learning to students across PEI with the support of CASTL.”
Founded in 2018, STEAM offers: after-school classes, week-long summer camps, day-long PD day camps, in-school workshops matched to specific curriculum outcomes, as well as other special events and birthday party entertainment.
CASTL was developed by the PEI BioAlliance, with support from the Government of Canada, the Future Skills Centre, and the Government of Prince Edward Island. Partners include Acadia University, BioTalent Canada, Holland College, National Research Council, PEI BioAlliance, Université de Moncton, University of Prince Edward Island, as well as numerous local and regional businesses.
For more information on the CASTL, visit castlcanada.ca.
Media Contact
Clara Deacon
Director of Communications and Marketing
PEI BioAlliance
C: 403.701.2815
E: clara@peibioalliance.com
About CASTL
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is a first-of-its-kind partnership between academia, industry, and government to address the future skills needs of the Canadian life sciences sector. CASTL delivers on the economic and sectoral demand for individuals who are work-ready to enter, thrive and meet the needs of the Canadian bioscience industry, a key pillar of our economy. CASTL offers multiple applied learning streams and pathways for individuals to acquire the academic knowledge, and technical and professional skills to have a successful career in life sciences.
About STEAM PEI
Founded in 2018, STEAM PEI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire young Islanders to pursue learning and careers in science, technology, engineering, art and math fields by fostering their curiosity and confidence through experiential learning opportunities. STEAM PEI offers engaging hands-on programs across PEI including camps, in-school workshops, after-school classes, birthday parties, special events, and team-building workshops.