INNOVATION March-April 2017

commun i t y

APEGBC members celebrated National Engineering and Geoscience Month (NEGM) in March. ​This year the theme was My Ideas Make a Difference . Ideas are at the heart of BC’s impressive engineering and geoscience innovations and achievements—from connecting communities across dramatic landscapes with astounding highway passes, to protecting people and infrastructure by assessing and mitigating landslide risks and hazards. Throughout March, APEGBC encouraged youth to make their innovative ideas and solutions a reality by considering a career in engineering or geoscience. British Columbia engineers and geoscientists hosted community events to teach youth about science principles and ideas. Volunteers with APEGBC’s Career Awareness Program and branches organized and participated in public and family activities promoting science, technology, engineering and math careers. Events included, popsicle bridge–building competitions, tours of engineering and geoscience workplaces, Dig! Day at the Britannia Mining Museum, and the annual Science Games for kids (See page 36). APEGBC partnered with Science World to promote the documentary Dream Big and with TRIUMF Labs to host public tours and engage engineering and geoscience corporations. To reach residents throughout BC, APEGBC ran print and online ads with a number of newspapers around the province. Promoting public awareness through initiatives such as NEGM supports APEGBC’s long-term strategic objectives by increasing appreciation of and respect for the engineering and geoscience professions, and supporting ongoing recruitment so that BC has the skilled labour supply to drive the province’s economic development. “The scope of influence that professional My Ideas Make a Difference National Engineering and Geoscience Month

engineers and professional geoscientists have on life in BC is sometimes hard to believe,” said APEGBC CEO and Registrar Ann English, P.Eng. “Individuals can affect entire communities—from social infrastructure developments to software and artificial intelligence advancements. As explorers, problem solvers, and inventors, our ideas have a profound impact on the lives of others.” Members and the public can still attend some events. To find out what events are ongoing, visit apeg.bc.ca/NEGM. Both scholarships consider academics, extracurricular involvement, financial need, reference letters, and a student statement as criteria for the award. Applications are due June 30, 2017. For information, email Andrea Michaud, APEGBC Student Program Coordinator, or call 604.412.4860.

Foundation Scholarship Applications Sought The APEG Foundation is now accepting Entrance and Entrance Transfer scholarship applications from BC’s 2017 high school graduates. Students entering engineering or

Institute of Technology, or Simon Fraser University may apply for the Entrance Scholarship, valued at $2,500. Six scholarships are available. Students entering an engineering transfer program at any BC post-secondary institution are eligible for the Entrance Transfer Scholarship, valued at $1,000. One Entrance Transfer Scholarship is available.

geoscience programs at the University of British Columbia, the University of Northern British Columbia, the University of Victoria, British Columbia

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