University of Ontario Institute of Technology and GM Canada partner to invest in STEM education

Uniting to inspire future technology and engineering leaders

2017-11-06

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Oshawa, Ontario (November 6, 2017) – General Motors is committed to inspiring the technological innovators of the future to pursue careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through the support and encouragement of children, particularly young girls. Today, GM Canada is furthering that pledge, partnering with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology on four STEM-focused initiatives that deliver students a hands-on interactive learning experience demonstrating the real-world impact of STEM-based careers. More than 8,500 students will benefit from these initiatives over the next few years.

Elementary School Teacher Professional Development Program– As the principal sponsor, GM Canada’s partnership with the university’s Faculty of Education will help promote STEM education to Durham Region elementary school teachers. The new program will equip teachers with the knowledge, confidence and tools they need to integrate STEM into the classroom and educate their students with a focus on engineering. The initial pilot project will include 24 teachers from 12 schools, and reach approximately 600 students.
c_wonder Maker Truck–Traditional classroom science materials often prevent students from truly appreciating and seeing the excitement and possibilities that accompany scientific inquiry. This new GM Canada sponsored maker truck, operated by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s Engineering Outreach program, will visit elementary and secondary schools in the region and offer hands-on engineering workshops. The program, developed in part with GM Canada, will allow students to tinker, prototype and share ideas around topics ranging from advanced robotics to programming. Set to launch by the end of 2017, the program hopes to inspire more than 8,000 students by 2020.
Oshawa Assembly Plant Scholarships–The General Motors Oshawa Assembly plant recently renewed its pledge to support student success at the university. This investment will create a new scholarship that rewards three Mechatronics Engineering students each year for outstanding academic achievement. Previous student awards supported by the assembly plant assisted nine students in the pursuit of their academic dreams.
ENG SQUAD Summer Camps–The university’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science hosts an annual program for students in Grades 4 to 8, focusing on the practical application of science and math to solve every day problems. It inspires youth to explore and investigate their surroundings through a scientific lens and to spark their curiosity about the world around them. This year, GM Canada supported a girls-only week for 20 students, and an additional 20 bursaries for those with financial need.

“This collaboration with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology is a continuation of our commitment to advancing STEM opportunities and education,” said Steve Carlisle, GM Canada president and managing director. “As GM looks to grow our talent pipeline to lead the future of mobility through technologies in autonomous development, connectivity, electrification and car sharing, we plan to build on the success of these programs and fund further initiatives. We believe that helping students build confidence to embrace these fields needs to start in a supportive and encouraging environment at an early age.”

Seventy per cent of Canada’s top jobs require a STEM type of education, yet fewer than half of secondary school students graduate with any senior STEM courses (Source: Let’s Talk Science, Oct 2016). With GM Canada’s investment, the university can offer two influential new STEM initiatives to the community.

“Thanks to GM Canada’s support, we launched our new professional development program for Durham Region teachers in the areas of STEM,” said Dr. Janette Hughes, Canada Research Chair in Technology and Pedagogy with the university’s Faculty of Education. “Our partnership will promote competencies such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and global citizenship, while improving the academic achievement and the development of transferable life skills of students.”

The partnership will also directly introduce engineering to elementary and secondary classrooms and complement the university’s academic strengths.

“GM Canada’s generous investment shows their commitment to the university and to strengthening our community as a whole,” said Dr. Tarlochan Sidhu, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “Their continued contributions to our faculty’s outreach programs will help inspire youth in Durham Region and surrounding communities to explore STEM fields and propel them into exciting careers in engineering.”

In addition to the programs announced today, GM will have committed more than $10 million globally by the end of the year to advance and improve STEM education.

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About General Motors in Canada

General Motors of Canada Company markets Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles through Canada’s largest dealer network, as well as OnStar and MAVEN services. Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, GM Canada employs more than 8,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in advanced manufacturing, green operations, active safety, and autonomous and connected vehicle technology research and development. More information on the company can be found at www.gm.ca or by following @GMcanada on Twitter.

About University of Ontario Institute of Technology

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology advances the discovery and application of knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and the delivery of innovative market-driven programs responsive to the needs of students and industry. With more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in more than 90 programs, the university promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. To find out more, visit uoit.ca.