(April 22, 2025 – Toronto, ON) Launched in 2021, GenAction, a national initiative led by Discovery Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and the Canadian Association of Science Centres, in partnership with Science North (Sudbury, Ontario), and Exploration Place (Prince George, British Columbia), has engaged over 288,740 youth in meaningful climate action education in just 3 years.
With the participation of 30 science centres and museums nationwide, GenAction programming delivered diverse and impactful educational experiences, including outreach initiatives, camps, gamification experiences, and school programs. This multifaceted approach has inspired young Canadians to embrace environmental stewardship and become active participants in climate action.
Achievements by the numbers (2021-2025):
- 288,740 youth engaged in climate action initiatives.
- 45,000 youth participated in environmental camps across Canada.
- 5,500 Indigenous youth reached through culturally relevant programming.
- 45,000 youth engaged through digital platforms and interactive games.
- 140,000 youth reached through immersive school programs.
- 46 bilingual educational resources developed to empower educators in climate science and action.
As part of a $37.8 million Environmental Damages Fund, GenAction has also fostered collaboration among science centres and museums, ensuring that programming reflects the unique needs of communities across the country. From immersive environmental camps to digital gamification, GenAction’s initiatives have brought climate action education to the forefront, ensuring youth are equipped with the knowledge and tools to lead sustainable change.
GenAction’s success demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges like climate change. By leveraging the expertise and resources of science centres and museums, this initiative has delivered accessible, inclusive, and impactful programming to communities from coast to coast.
“The true impact of science centres and informal education lies in their ability to spark curiosity, inspire action, and equip the next generation with the tools to tackle global challenges—offering opportunities they may not find in traditional education. By engaging youth in climate science, we empower them to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow. Through GenAction, we have not only inspired thousands of young minds but we also created a lasting impact. Discovery Centre is proud to have collaborated with so many great institutions to bring GenAction to life,” says Dov Bercovici, President & CEO, Discovery Centre
“Surpassing our goal of connecting with over 200,000 young people through the GenAction program is not just a number—it’s a testament to the power of collective impact in driving systemic change. By empowering youth to engage with the climate crisis in hopeful ways that are centered on action, we are fostering a new generation of leaders who understand that sustainable solutions require collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach to change. This achievement is a critical first step in building a more resilient and sustainable future for all, and we are excited to continue down this path with our network,” says Marianne Mader, CEO of the Canadian Association of Science Centres.
For more information about GenAction and its impact, please visit www.genaction.ca or contact:
Leah Veinot
Manager of Marketing & Communications, Discovery Centre
lveinot@thediscoverycentre.ca
782-414-5195
About GenAction:
As part of a $37.8 million Environmental Damages Fund, the Government of Canada invested $6 million in GenAction, a youth-focused climate change initiative. The collective goal, in collaboration with 30 science centres and museums across Canada, was to inspire 200,000 youth, grades Kindergarten to 12, by 2025. GenAction is led by Discovery Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia with partners the Canadian Association of Science Centres, Science North in Sudbury, Ontario, and The Exploration Place in Prince George, British Columbia. GenAction empowers young individuals to become agents of change in their communities and create a sustainable future for all.