For five years, PotashCorp has supported an innovative educational outreach program aimed at engaging Aboriginal students in the subjects of science and math. The PotashCorp Kamskénow program is run by of the College of Arts & Science at the University of Saskatchewan and was recently selected as a joint winner of the 2014 Global Best Award for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) category for North America and a joint winner of the Overall STEM category from the International Business Education Partnership Network.

Taught by University graduate and undergraduate students, PotashCorp Kamskénow provides hands-on classroom learning for 13 weeks. Lessons are entirely focused on the disciplines of biology, chemistry, computer science, geological sciences, mathematics and physics. The program is offered from grades 4 to 12 in Saskatoon Community Schools that have a high proportion of Aboriginal students and, increasingly, newcomers to Canada.

“PotashCorp is proud to partner with the University of Saskatchewan on the Kamskenow program,” said Lee Knafelc, Vice President, Human Resources and Administration at PotashCorp. “With the program’s goal to excite youth about science, we are hopeful these Aboriginal students will pursue science careers.  PotashCorp thanks the dedicated student educators for making the Kamskénow program so engaging and we are thrilled that the program is being recognized for its positive impact on our community.”

The program is achieving its objectives – after experiencing PotashCorp Kamskénow, 73 percent of the students responded ‘yes’ when asked if they would consider a future career involving science or math. In addition, 90 percent of the students indicated that they like science and math more after being involved in the program.

"I have been blow away by the quality of the instructors and activities. The PotashCorp Kamskénow program has been a highlight of our science program this year. The students are consistently engaged by fantastic activities that help them to build confidence and contribute to a positive attitude toward science. If only every classroom in the city could be as lucky as ours!" Heather Rowson, teacher at Westmount Community School