TELUS partners with Alberta’s science centres to launch Virtual Summer Camps for Canadian youth

A wide variety of STEM-focused content will be delivered via live, online classes with science educators, accessed through streaming content, and offered as self-guided activities

CALGARY, Alberta and EDMONTON, Alberta, May 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, TELUS Spark, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton, TELUS, and Microsoft announced that they have joined forces to bring science camps online with the launch of Virtual Summer Camps powered by TELUS. As social distancing guidelines evolve at different paces throughout the country, these camps will ensure children across Canada will have access to a world-class STEM-based learning program this summer.

Virtual Summer Camps powered by TELUS will be facilitated by the STEM experts at TELUS Spark and TELUS World of Science - Edmonton. TELUS has stepped up to provide funding, programming, Microsoft software and hardware, and other resources necessary to provide an effective, engaging experience for campers. Additionally, TELUS will provide connectivity for families in need in Alberta and British Columbia through its Internet for Good program, helping to remove barriers for youth to participate in the Virtual Summer Camps.

“TELUS Spark and TELUS World of Science - Edmonton are highly-respected pillars of their communities and TELUS has long supported both institutions to ensure they have the resources to drive positive change for Albertans. In these extraordinary times, we are proud to support their efforts to ensure kids don’t miss out on these valuable educational experiences,” said Zainul Mawji, President of Home Solutions, TELUS. “Whether we are supporting programs like these summer camps; our team members volunteering their time; offering free educational content on our Optik TV Learning Hub; or committing more than $150M to COVID-19 response efforts, we are dedicated to ensuring that our communities and all Canadians are supported throughout this pandemic.”

Ideal for kids ages 5-14, these Virtual Summer Camps powered by TELUS are slated to run from July 6 to August 28 and engage campers in activities, experiments, lessons and live discussions in STEM-related focus areas, including: engineering and math, coding, space and astronomy, sports and nutrition, nature, and more. From learning the basics of coding with Minecraft: Education Edition and tinkering with inventions to honing storytelling skills with journalists and getting outside to experience nature and discover local ecosystems, each session will provide campers with opportunities to keep their minds sharp with fun, creative, and challenging activities and lessons.