There is a high demand for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills in multiple disciplines to drive the innovation needed to thrive. In a post-pandemic world facing a climate crisis, we need youth to develop the ability to question the status quo and hone the innovative skills necessary to move quickly towards a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. How do we do that? Engaging youth in STEM education from early years through high school encourages all students to imagine the impossible and push boundaries.
From practical or technical skills like using a piece of machinery to digital literacy to advanced skills that enable us to take risks, invent new technologies, and create solutions for sustainable development, youth are faced with a future that will be increasingly dependent on STEM.
Join Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder of Let’s Talk Science, to learn more about this critical conversation because our future depends on it.
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt is the Founder and President of Let’s Talk Science, a national education charity that she started in 1991 while completing a PhD in Physiology. Let’s Talk Science helps children and youth fulfill their potential and prepare for their future careers and citizenship role by supporting their learning through STEM engagement. The organization offers a robust suite of programming and has surpassed 11.4 million interactions with youth, educators, and parents since its inception.
An active visionary contributor to the scientific and education communities, Bonnie spearheaded Canada 2067, an ambitious initiative to shape the future of STEM education. She currently serves on the Genome Canada Board of Directors and is a member of the Federal Government’s AI Public Awareness Working Group. In 2020, she was a member of the PISA Expert Strategic Visioning Group to the OECD, which set about developing a new vision for the international science test.
For her efforts in education and youth development, Dr. Schmidt has received more than a dozen awards, including an Honorary Degree from Ryerson University (also known as X university, renaming in the process). She was also named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015, and a Special Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2018.