SuperNOVA recognized with digital diversity award for future‑focused initiatives

Receiving an award at Digital Nova Scotia’s annual diversity awards last month has one Dal-based group feeling even more “super” than usual.

SuperNOVA, the not-for-profit group that focuses on promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to Canadian youth, received the ‘Shaping the Future' award in recognition of its work in shaping the workforce in Nova Scotia’s tech sector by recognizing transferable skills in the workplace.

“For us, winning the Shaping the Future award is an opportunity to showcase our work on a broader scale,” said Alexandra Fenton (shown left), the group’s executive director, in a video acceptance message provided to Digital N.S.

SuperNOVA was selected from among nine finalists, which included Mobia, Lumi Studios Sarah Ryan (Brilliant Labs), Prag Ravichandran (CloudKettle), and more.

Fenton, who has been in her role since 2015, says the award is also a nod to the many individuals who have put a lot of hard work into making SuperNOVA the success that it is.

“It's also important for us to recognize the incredible work that our team does,” she said.

Breaking barriers, even during a pandemic

SuperNOVA is well-known to the Dal community through its popular STEM-based summer camps and other programming, but the group has expanded its reach significantly over the past decade, partnering with other organzations around Atlantic Canada and providing outreach programming in underserved communities through its Breaking Barriers for Youth intiative.

It also gained recongition last year when it was award the 2020 Actua Excellence Award for its leadership role within the Actua Network (a national charitable network of 41 colleges and universities that promotes STEM) and its significant impact on the STEM community, especially during the pandemic.

The group offered online programming throughout the pandemic, including engaging, ready-made materials to help parents offer at-home learning opportunities for children. SuperNOVA also received previous awards from Actua, including the Actua Make Friends with Science award (2019) and the Actua Experience Award (2016).

"It is so important for youth to see themselves represented in the tech sector and other STEM fields and for them to recognise that it is a place for them and that they are welcome and valued there," says Fenton.