High School Students to Transform Everyday Objects into Innovative Technologies
Media Release | May 20, 2008
Above: Emcees Docc Andrews and Gary Long (94X) help launch Idea MashUp at D.P. Todd Secondary School.
High resolution photos: Image 1 | Image 2 | Image 3
Downloadable video: Video Interviews and B-roll
BRITISH COLUMBIA - The BCIC Young Innovator Scholarship celebrates its provincial launch today and is stirring up new technology ideas from high school students across B.C., announced Dr. Don Cozzetto, Board Director of the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) and President of the University of Northern British Columbia.
"The future of innovation and technology is within the young minds of tomorrow's innovators," said Dr. Cozzetto. "This scholarship program exemplifies a working model of how new innovations can be discovered. It's also a key step in building a strong foundation for innovation success in the province."
In a recent survey conducted by the Mustel Group Market Research, approximately 41 per cent of 2,213 high school students surveyed were interested in careers that allowed them to create innovative products and objects. As an estimated 60,000 students will be entering grade 12 in the coming school year, this scholarship program offers students a great opportunity to pursue their passions in technology.
"Science, technology and innovation can form the foundation of a rewarding and prosperous career," said Education Minister Shirley Bond. "Groups like the British Columbia Innovation Council are inspiring B.C.'s young people to strive for this success and imagine ways to improve the already high quality of life we enjoy here in B.C."
The official launch, titled Idea MashUp, was celebrated at D.P. Todd Secondary School in Prince George, where over 150 high school students engaged in a challenge that had them dashing into a ‘mash up' scrum to gather materials for their new technology ideas. Working in teams, students demonstrated what possibilities the future could hold by converging everyday items like skateboards, phones and goggles into new innovations. The exercise demonstrates the creative structure of the program and how it could be implemented in the coming school year.
Using technology comes naturally to these students, who have first-hand experience with the latest in smart phones, portable music players, and social networking applications. With BCIC Young Innovator Scholarships (valued at $2,000 and up), they have a unique opportunity to create innovative technology ideas and compete for a prize that helps them continue their education. The program inspires young innovators to explore what lies beyond today's technologies-also giving British Columbians a sneak peek at what's to come.
High resolution photos, video interviews and B-roll from Idea MashUp are available upon request.
1 backgrounder attached.
- 30 -
For more information contact:
Stephanie Leung Communications Coordinator
British Columbia Innovation Council
604.602.5249 | 1.800.665.7222
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
About BCIC
The British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) advances innovation and commercialization of applied science and technology in partnership with government, industry and academia. By supporting all levels of education, BCIC is focused on developing talented British Columbians. Building a strong future for the knowledge economy is essential to the success of B.C.'s economy. BCIC is a Crown agency of the Province of British Columbia.
For more information about BCIC, visit www.bcic.ca.
