Cenovus fuels the future, empowering youth through STEM
At Cenovus Energy, one of the ways we are energizing the world to make people's lives better is by empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders in our industry. We invest in several sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training programs and educational initiatives that improve job and career readiness, provide innovative skills training, enhance professional network development, and make STEM more accessible for all young people. Below are a few examples:
‘BIG on STEM’: igniting the power of youth
Cenovus has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada to bring to life a new STEM-focused mentorship initiative. BIG on STEM aims to ignite a passion for STEM within 200 vulnerable youth each year. Cenovus’s support connects these aspiring students with STEM professionals across Canada, including Cenovus staff in Calgary, Lloydminster, and St. John’s. By introducing them to STEM opportunities, these youth learn about new possibilities for careers and life after high school. In its first year, 97% of participants indicated participating in BIG on STEM maintained or increased their interest in education or careers related to STEM.
“It was great to see so many students passionate about STEM at the Lloydminster event and fun showing them some simple electrical circuits and encouraging them to think about how we use technology to make our lives better,” says Tim Fundytus, Cenovus Operations Engineering Manager, located in Lloydminster. “A career in STEM can take you down many different pathways in various fields and roles. By understanding the fundamentals and being curious, these kids will have the opportunity to build an exciting career.”
Shad Canada: transforming potential into achievement
Shad empowers high-potential grade 10 and 11 students in Canada through transformative STEM summer enrichment programs. Cenovus support is directed to the delivery of Shad programs nationwide, including in Cenovus operating areas, and to removing barriers to participation for youth through financial support and subsidies.
In 2024, Shad has engaged over 1,600 young Canadians, helping them unlock their full potential by applying STEM disciplines to real-world challenges. Participants will gain invaluable insights and forge lasting relationships, all while receiving guidance from leading academics, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
“The Shad program brings together bright students from across the country and exposes them to multiple cultures and perspectives while nurturing their ability to generate new ideas, processes, and businesses,” says Scott Smith, Senior Manager Operations Innovation at Cenovus. “I attended Shad as a high school student and it generated life-long relationships and a passion for new innovations and opportunities. My daughter also participated and took her own lessons from the experience, becoming a tech product manager and an entrepreneur. I am proud of the support Cenovus provides to this unique program.”
MindFuel: encouraging innovation through STEM
Cenovus supports MindFuel’s mission to Inspire Minds and Build Futures. MindFuel makes the innovation ecosystem more accessible to youth aged 15 to 30, through its immersive learn-to-innovate programs, mentor and subject matter expert networks, and pitch competitions where youth present STEM-based prototype solutions to real world problems. Cenovus’s support has helped grow MindFuel’s programs to more regions in Canada and to more user groups who are under-represented in STEM. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Canadian youth across more than 1,600 communities participate in MindFuel’s programming.
“Through our partnership with Cenovus, we are making transformational change, particularly in Canada’s under-represented youth in STEM,” says Cassy Weber, CEO of MindFuel. “Canada has a critical need to make the innovation sector accessible to more youth so that we have a future-ready workforce able to take on the challenges of economic diversification and global competitiveness.”
Future-ready youth: A focus area
Fostering innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and scientific acumen in the next generation is vital for our company’s success and the sustainability of our talent pipeline.
By investing in STEM-focused education and training, broadening youth exposure to STEM opportunities, and making STEM accessible to everyone, we are empowering young people to explore diverse career paths. This commitment not only supports their personal growth but also fuels the creativity and ingenuity of tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, geologists, and more.
Last updated: NOVEMBER 2024