Cameco Corporation made a sizeable donation to Saskatoon Public Schools Wednesday with the goal of getting students interested in pursuing careers in math and science.
The uranium mining company is giving $585,000 which will go toward pre-engineering and design classes at Bedford Road Collegiate.
Curtis Clements, the teacher who will be heading up the program, says it will give an introduction to problem solving skills that employers are looking for.
“Asking them what they’re looking for, for employees, and they’re interested in technical skills – kids learn that in school – they want the communications skills,” he says.
Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel says the program is a natural fit for both his and a number of other Saskatchewan companies.
“It’s engineering people, it’s people in environmental sciences, it’s radiation protection – all requiring an absolutely strong base in math and science,” he says.
Courses will be offered beginning this fall and be open to students in grades 10 to 12.
More advanced courses will be added in the 2015/2016 school year.