The following is being distributed at the request of the Research & Development Corporation: Newfoundland and Labrador high school students to attend enrichment programs this summer
ST. JOHN'S, June 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Twelve Newfoundland and Labrador high school students will be spending their summers at research-related enrichment programs across North America and the Arctic thanks to funding from the Research & Development Corporation (RDC) under its Research Inspired Student Enrichment (RISE) Awards.
The four enrichment programs supported under RDC's RISE Awards are related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects:
- Research Science Institute (RSI) based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Students on Ice; a ship-and land-based expedition to the Arctic
- Shad Valley, which takes place at university campuses across the country
- Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) held at the University of Toronto
"Providing top students with exposure to these renowned institutions and programs will open doors and provide inspiration for some of our best and brightest," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development (IBRD) and Minister Responsible for RDC. "Investing in our students is a top priority and we are pleased to support this well-established, proven education enrichment program."
Last fall, high school students across the province were encouraged to submit applications for RDC's RISE Awards program. Students were selected for funding to attend the enrichment programs based on their academic merit as well as an essay.
"Our goal is to enable the best and brightest students in the province to gain knowledge and appreciation that may inspire them to pursue research-related careers in the future," said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer, RDC. "I would like to wish each of the twelve students success and the best of luck with their enrichment programs this summer."
Michael Connors, Grade 11 student at Gonzaga High School, is receiving funding under the RISE Awards to attend RSI in Cambridge, MA.
"I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to attend the Research Science Institute this summer," said Michael Connors. "I believe an intensive enrichment program such as RSI will provide me with exceptional research experience, and give me valuable insight into possible career paths. I'm really looking forward to it."
The Research & Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador's research and development performance. RDC works with research and development stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments to make strategic investments in highly qualified people, innovative R&D infrastructure and research. For more information about RDC, go to www.rdc.org
Information about the successful candidates and the four enrichment programs supported under RDC's RISE Award is available in the backgrounder below.
Backgrounder
The Research Inspired Student Enrichment (RISE) Awards provide top Newfoundland and Labrador high school students with the opportunity to attend research-related enrichment programs focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through these awards, RDC recognizes the need for early development of the talent required by R&D stakeholders and the importance of R&D to innovation and economic growth.
Students listed below are this year's successful RISE Awards applicants.
| Applicant Name | School | Recommended Program | Award Amount |
| Michael Connors | Gonzaga High School | Research Science Institute | $12,000 |
| Christopher Qiu | Holy Heart of Mary High School | Students on Ice | $12,900 |
| Kaitlyn Little | Holy Heart of Mary High School | Students on Ice | $12,900 |
| Zhipu Zhang | Gonzaga High School | Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program | $7,000 |
| Bridget LaPrairie | Holy Heart of Mary High School | Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program | $7,000 |
| Isaac Trask | Holy Spirit High School | Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program | $7,000 |
| Colin Hunt | Mount Pearl Senior High | Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program | $7,000 |
| Sophia Crocker | Exploits Valley High | Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program | $7,000 |
| Pallas Loredo | Holy Heart of Mary High School | Shad Valley | $6,100 |
| Darcy Taylor | Gonzaga High School | Shad Valley | $6,100 |
| Catherine Dunne | Holy Spirit High School | Shad Valley | $6,100 |
| Terriah Hansen | Holy Trinity High School | Shad Valley | $6,100 |
| Total | $97,200 |
Enrichment programs supported by RDC's RISE Awards:
Research Science Institute (RSI) is a partnership between the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a not-for-profit organization based in McLean, Virginia, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which offers a six-week summer enrichment program in the Boston, Massachusetts area emphasizing advanced theory and research in STEM fields. This program introduces students to the entire research process, from literature review to experimental design and analysis.
Shad Valley is a four-week program held at Canadian university campuses which focuses on bringing STEM research and entrepreneurship together.
Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) is a four-week program held at the University of Toronto which offers pre-university engineering and science enrichment and research project design opportunities
Students on Ice (SOI) is a two-week ship-and land-based Arctic expedition providing students with education and research opportunities to help gain a real world perspective on present and future challenges facing the Arctic region such as climate change and resource development.
SOURCE: Research & Development Corporation
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