Actua Announced as a Recipient of the Federal Government’s Strategic Science Fund

Press Release

OTTAWA, December 6, 2023

Today, the Government of Canada announced Actua as one of the successful recipients of the newly launched Strategic Science Fund (SSF).

The Strategic Science Fund supports third-party science and research organizations (TPOs) to enhance Canada’s science, technology and innovation (STI) excellence. Actua’s funding through SSF will:

  • Diversify Canada’s talent pipeline by delivering equity-focused science and technology skill development programs to 1.5 million youth with a significant focus on girls, Indigenous, Black and other vulnerable youth in 600 communities;
  • Strengthen science culture by improving youth, family and community literacy in critical topics like health, climate, AI, manufacturing and cybersecurity; 
  • Build world-class, equity-driven scientific research capacity among youth; and
  • Drive knowledge exchange on equity-focused research and lead national and regional forums advancing Indigenous land-based science.

“For over 25 years, the Actua network has been a lead contributor in building an inclusive and diverse STEM ecosystem. We are proud to serve as a critical stakeholder in strengthening Canada’s talent pipeline and thrilled to be announced as a Third Party Organization through the Strategic Science Fund,” said Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO, Actua. “This investment recognizes the critical role of youth engagement in a vibrant and prosperous science and innovation ecosystem in Canada. The five-year funding will help sustain and scale our network’s critical work to support the development of essential STEM skills among equity-deserving Canadian youth in every corner of the country.”

About Actua

Actua is one of Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organizations representing over 40 university and college-based members. Each year, Actua’s growing network of member organizations engages over 350,000 young people in 500 communities nationwide in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. Actua focuses on engaging equity-deserving youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, youth facing economic barriers and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Its major funding partners include the Government of Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, RBC Foundation, the Suncor Energy Foundation, Google.org, Toyota Canada Foundation, CIBC Foundation, Enbridge, Scotiabank, Coveo and Mastercard.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Actua:

Kristina Martin
Kit Public Affairs
Tel: (613) 882-8432
Email: kristina@kitpublicaffairs.ca