VROC
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Virtual Researcher on Call (VROC) is a Canadian educational program administered by Partners in Research. The program connects students with knowledge partners, researchers, and professionals in health, natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM fields), using web-based technology.[1]
Video conferencing
Video conferencing technology is used to connect researchers and professionals in the STEM fields with elementary and secondary school classrooms for real-time, interactive discussion.
Partners
VROC is partnered with over 40 universities, colleges and institutions as well as school boards across the country.[2]
Funding
VROC developed by Partners in Research at 2006 with funding from the Ontario government.[3]
VROC began with a "Reaching Higher" grant from the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities in 2006 under the Dalton McGuinty government.[4]
In 2011, Partners in Research was awarded a nearly million-dollar grant from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to teach southern Ontarian students about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.[5]
Partners in Research hosts a national annual awards reception and ceremony entitled The PIR National Awards to celebrate Canadian research in the STEM fields.[6] Proceeds from this evening support the Virtual Researcher On Call Program.