Ottawa, Ontario – November 28, 2018 – 4-H Canada is pleased to announce the renewal of the successful partnership that will see founding Science & Technology pillar partner Bayer Crop Science Canada extend their support of 4-H Canada and develop the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The renewed partnership builds upon the rich history of collaboration between the two organizations, allowing for continued support for existing 4-H Canada STEM programming and the development of future endeavors in this innovative space. This nation-wide collaboration will help foster a deeper understanding of STEM by providing the foundation for youth in rural and suburban Canada to spark interest in science and cultivate curiosity beyond the classroom. Together, 4-H Canada and Bayer share the goal of equipping youth with the tools and support they need to deepen their understanding of science and its importance in addressing global challenges.

The 4-H Canada Science Fair – sponsored and supported by Bayer – is an annual highlight of 4-H programs and just one example of the successful impact resulting from the partnership. In the three years that it has run to date, the event has provided more than 50 4-H’ers from across the country with an opportunity to research, prepare and present their science projects. 4-H youth who earned top honours at the 4-H Canada Science Fair have received high-level awards and recognition at the annual Canada-Wide Science Fair, and two 4-H members have had the privilege of being invited to the Prime Minister’s Science Fair to showcase their projects.

“The renewal of our partnership with Bayer is a testament to our successful working relationship,” said Shannon Benner, 4-H Canada CEO. “Bayer’s investment is instrumental to 4-H in the development of our programming in critical areas of need, so therefore I am pleased to continue our work together as we both take an active role in helping youth develop into responsible, caring and contributing young leaders who are passionate about making meaningful contributions into the innovative world of Science and Technology.”

The joint STEM programming continues to grow and evolve. In 2019, science kits will be distributed to 4-H clubs across the country to encourage youth to cultivate their scientific curiosity, develop their skills, and spark their interest in STEM-related education and careers. As well, 4-H Canada’s Hands-on Science – a program that gives volunteer leaders the tools to promote and support science opportunities for youth members – has trained more than 80 science champions to date.

“We’re very pleased to extend our ongoing partnership with 4-H Canada to foster young leaders in STEM,” said Al Driver, President and CEO, Bayer Crop Science Canada. “Since we began this partnership three years ago, we’ve seen tremendously successful outcomes by 4-H youth that have positively affected the health of people, plants and animals – something we’re focused on as a life sciences company. We’re confident this continued partnership will encourage more youth to explore and pursue all areas of STEM, with the hopes of positively affecting change within their communities.”

To learn more about 4-H Canada’s STEM programming and the 4-H Canada Science Fair, visit 4-h-canada.ca/sciencefair.

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