Newfoundland and Labrador students receive innovative science-based learning programs with Hibernia's investment in Let's Talk Science

ST. JOHN'S, NL, Feb. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC), operator of the Hibernia platform, announced today that it has invested $1.9 million to support Let's Talk Science, a national, charitable science outreach organization, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The three-year, transformational investment from HMDC allows Let's Talk Science to increase youth and educator participation in its award-winning science learning programs. These programs engage children and youth while developing their critical thinking skills, improving confidence, and building positive attitudes towards higher education.

"Science provides a powerful learning platform that encourages youth to explore the world while building critical skills, attitudes and knowledge that will help them become 21^st century citizens and innovators. Engaging more youth in science, engineering, technology and math helps build an innovative and competitive future for the province," said Bonnie Schmidt, Ph.D, President and Founder, Let's Talk Science. "We are thrilled by the Hibernia investment and are committed to building on our two decades of experience in youth development."

"Sparking students' interest in science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM, increases the possibility that they will pursue careers in those fields. If they do they'll be well positioned to work within the energy industry and in doing so contribute to the prosperity of the province," said Jamie Long, HMDC president. "Hibernia is proud to be associated with the Let's Talk Science program. We will be announcing support for a number of exciting STEM programs during the coming months."

As part of this strategic investment, Let's Talk Science is expanding its operations in all program areas, hiring employees now and more in the future in Newfoundland and Labrador. These employees will support all of Let's Talk Science's program areas targeting preschoolers all the way to senior high school. Their focus includes supporting the Let's Talk Science Outreach site located at Memorial University and increasing the Let's Talk Science Outreach program to expand into additional rural and remote schools across the province. For early years and Kindergarten educators, Let's Talk Science will provide more support and distribution of the Wings of Discovery resources and workshops. In the Grades 6-8 level, there will be a focus on enhancing and expanding the All Science Challenge. Let's Talk Science will also support high school educators by providing them with curriculum-aligned, web-based teaching resources through www.ExploreCurioCity.org.

Since 1993, Let's Talk Science has been developing and delivering innovative science-based learning programs that get children and youth excited in science. For the last 15 years, Let's Talk Science's volunteer-driven Outreach program at Memorial University has brought free science-based learning experiences to schools across Newfoundland and Labrador. For information on Let's Talk Science programs and resources, please visit www.letstalkscience.ca.

About Let's Talk Science:
Let's Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable, science outreach organization. Let's Talk Science creates and delivers science learning programs and services that turn children and youth on to science, keep them engaged in learning and develop their potential to become 21^st century citizens, innovators and stewards. For more information about Let's Talk Science, please visit www.letstalkscience.ca.

About Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd.:
Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) is the operator of the Hibernia field which began petroleum production on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland and Labrador in November 1997. HMDC is owned jointly by ExxonMobil Canada (33.125%), Chevron Canada Resources (26.875%), Suncor Energy (20%), Canada Hibernia Holding Corporation (8.5%), Murphy Oil (6.5%) and Statoil Canada Ltd. (5%).

Media Contacts:

Maggie MacLellan
Communications Officer, Let's Talk Science
1-877-474-4081 ext. 239
[email protected]

Margot Bruce-O'Connell
Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd.
709-778-7222
margot.p.bruce-o'[email protected]