Great Moments: Making science fun

Science Venture participants in the late 90's

Science Venture youth program

A proverbial sketched-on-a-napkin idea started in 1991 by five engineering students who wanted to make science as much fun for kids as it was for them, Science Venture has gone on to become an iconic symbol of summer on the UVic grounds, and has been nationally recognized for its engaging programs. Student founders Daryle Bowles, Graham Carter, Norm Fisher, Roland Shigas and Ted Bunker charted a way to deliver innovative science, technology, engineering and math programming to young people in workshops, after-school clubs, summer camps and special events to stimulate interest and passion for these key subject areas.

Reaching over 10,000 youths in 2011, these high-impact, hands-on learning programs encourage young people to pursue these subjects more passionately. Science Venture has grown to include UVic’s science, engineering, and education faculties, and youth participants are challenged to explore, discover and innovate in a safe environment. Outreach components ensure that socio-economic background does not limit youth participation, and the program provides positive role models and engaging experiences in the fields of science, technology and engineering. Science Venture won a national Actua and GE Canada Award in 2009 for leadership and innovation.

“It’s not uncommon to meet Science Venture staff who were young campers themselves,” adds program director Melisa Yestrau. “I think it’s the passion of the student instructors that keeps the kids coming back, because they help show how innovation can come from an idea sketched on a napkin.”