Ontario Science Centre now accepting submissions for the 2010 Weston Youth
Innovation Award

TORONTO , Oct. 14 /CNW/ - The Ontario Science Centre is looking for Agents of Change: Canadian youth who use science and technology to create solutions for real-world problems. Submissions for the second Weston Youth Innovation Award are being accepted until January 31, 2010 .

In 2008, Ontario Science Centre established the award to recognize Canadian students aged 14 to 18 who have shown initiative and leadership in addressing a current issue they are passionate about, for example, energy conservation or climate change.

Applicants are asked to profile how they have shown initiative and leadership to become Agents of Change and to illustrate the impact of their efforts. Entries will be judged on demonstration of the characteristics of innovation: Inspiration, creativity, collaboration, risk-taking and problem-solving. The winner (either an individual or team) receives a $2,000 cash prize and recognition on the Science Centre's website.

A panel from the Ontario Science Centre will review entries during the first two weeks of February. A shortlist will go to second panel of external judges, with the winner to be announced at the end of March, 2010. The award will be presented at a ceremony in April.

The Weston Youth Innovation Award was established to encourage and recognize young Canadian innovators. It is named in recognition of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation's $15 million lead gift to the Ontario Science Centre's Agents of Change initiative, and to honour the Foundation's support and commitment to education.

Detailed information about the Weston Youth Innovation Award can be found at www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/innovationaward/

For further information: Media Contact: Anna Relyea, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Ontario Science Centre, [phone], [email protected]