Several external organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing continuing education opportunities such as online learning.  Some Open Acadia students may be eligible for, and interested in, applying for the Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship.

Offered in memory of Dr. Mary Cone Barrie, Director of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto, two $2,500 scholarships are available each year.  For more information, please visit the scholarship website; applications are due July 12, 2013.

On Friday, May 3, Acadia University will welcome students in Grades 10-12 from across Atlantic Canada to explore topics of sustainability and green technologies. Our 28th annual Huggins High School Science Seminar will provide students with a forum to connect with passionate scientists and learn about future opportunities.

This year’s speakers hail from Acadia and beyond, representing a diverse array of scientific topics and disciplines. Morning presentations will explore green technologies, such as a discussion of the Bay of Fundy’s tidal projects and potential, and an introduction to “green chemistry.” Afternoon sessions will approach problems from the lens of sustainability, discussing sustainable practices in aquaculture and how we can encourage others to make positive and necessary environmental changes in our communities.

In addition to several Acadia presenters returning from previous years, the popular panel debate returns in the form of the “Sustainable Earth Debate,” a new spin on last year’s lifeboat debate. This year, a new group of professors will debate whose science is truly the most important for a greener future, with the audience choosing a winner. The event is rounded out by Dr. Vlad Zamlynny’s chemistry show, a perennial favourite that showcases exciting demonstrations.

“This year’s seminar is about an overarching theme that’s both topical and an increasingly constant part of our lives,” explains Dr. Jeffrey Banks, Director of Open Acadia and former Head of the Department of Chemistry. “There are so many scientific disciplines and topics involved with creating positive environmental impact, but we’ve tried to select a few with local, relevant connections represented by great people. We think students will really enjoy the seminar.” To register or learn more about the seminar, please visit the event website at http://huggins.acadiau.ca.

From April 6-14, universities, libraries, museums, and learning organizations of all types will celebrate Nova Scotia Adult Learners' Week (NSALW). NSALW pays tribute to adult learning, promotes learning opportunities for all, and showcases the diversity of adult learning. 

In recognition of this week, our final Brown Bag Lunch of the season will be "Undiscovered Voices — Adult Learning & Life Engagement" presented by Rod Franklin, Adult Education Coordinator in the provincial Department of Labour and Advanced Education. In this BBL taking place on Thursday, April 11, Rod will discuss the role of literacy as a key determinant of healthy communities, provide details about the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, and expand upon literacy as a key agent in advocacy and volunteerism amongst adults. 

We also encourage you to visit the NSALW website or Facebook page to learn about other special events celebrating this week in the Annapolis Valley and across the province.