Grant: Synapse - CIHR Youth Connection Program

At Youth Science Canada, we are working hard to ignite an interest for science in our nation's young people. We are deeply convinced of Canada's urgent need for many more youth who not only have science and technology skills, but also a deep passion for using their considerable gifts to make a difference in their world, their country and their future. Established in 1962, our focus is on engaging Canadian youth through science in inquiry and critical thinking. We are Canada's leading organization in the promotion of innovation and the celebration of excellence in science among youth. The National and Provincial Science Fairs Program represents the largest extra-curricular youth activity program in science, technology, and innovation in Canada. Each year, 500,000 Canadian youth do a science project. Of these, 25,000 develop outstanding science projects in order to compete at regional science fairs across the country and qualify for the next level of competition: the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). Approximately 500 of the top young scientists at regional fairs are selected to participate in the week-long event. Youth Science Canada's partner in the province of Quebec, Conseil du développement du loisir scientifique, hosts the provincial science fair annually. The top winners form the Quebec delegation at the CWSF. Youth Science Canada has identified seven challenges - the Canada-Wide Youth Science Challenges - that focus on issues important to Canada's youth, the future of our country and our world: Discovery, Energy, Environment, Health, Information, Innovation and Resources. The Challenges are meant to inspire students to exercise their curiosity and creativity by answering a question or solving a problem by doing a science project. The Health Challenge encourages young scientists to do a science project to increase our understanding of the human body, or apply science and technology to improve health, control disease, or support an aging population.