Science for youngsters in NL gets a boost from Hibernia project

• Hibernia project support for junior and senior high students reaches almost $3 Million
• Additional $660,000 donation will expand GEO CENTRE’s programs for kids under 11

ST. JOHN’s, NL --The Johnson GEO CENTRE will roll out more science projects for young children in Newfoundland and Labrador thanks to $660,000 of additional funding from Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC), taking total contributions to almost $3 million.

“Preschool and elementary children are at a critical age for developing a sense of curiosity and a love of science,” said Adele Poynter, executive director of the Johnson GEO CENTRE. “With this new funding, we will expand and improve KidZone as a dedicated space for young children coming to GEO. We will also develop more activities and clubs to meet the needs of sciencehungry children and their parents.”

“We are delighted to help the GEO CENTRE build on its programming for younger children,” said Jamie Long, president of HMDC. “The additional funding will allow the GEO CENTRE to make a positive difference earlier in the lives of the region’s young people. The funding complements our support of programs aimed at older children.”

The funding is in addition to HMDC’s recently announced contribution of $2.3Million to the GEO CENTRE, providing a major boost to science education in Newfoundland and Labrador and enhancing GEO’s standing as an exciting interpretation centre.

In 2012 to date, HMDC has invested more than $10 million in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador because advances in technology education are vital to the success of the company and the industry. Getting students excited about STEM opportunities will result in more students pursuing studies in engineering and energy.

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%).

About the Johnson GEO CENTRE

The Johnson GEO CENTRE is a science interpretation centre located on Signal Hill in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The GEO CENTRE is a not-for-profit organization, and a registered charity. The centre opened in 2002, and houses exhibit galleries related to our planet and our provincial geology, oil and gas exploration, natural resources, space exploration, and the Titanic disaster. The centre also features an educational KIDZone for ages 7 and under, period hosting of travelling exhibits, gift shop and café. The centre offers interpretation through public presentations and hands-on curriculum-based visits for school groups.