New partnership formed to support STEM and promote nuclear science

OTTAWA (May 3, 2021) – The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) and North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to advocate for initiatives that support STEM and the promotion of nuclear science, energy and technology.

The MOU also calls for collaboration on initiatives to recruit and attract students to nuclear.

“We are excited to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with NAYGN,” said John Gorman, President and CEO of the CNA. “With more than 40 percent of jobs in Canada’s nuclear sector being held by those under the age of 40, young people will play an important part in the industry’s future. We need their support not only to fill these jobs, but to advocate for small modular reactors, nuclear refurbishment and to help us connect to the next generation.”

“The signing of this MOU continues our strategic mission of partnering with leading industry organizations to further our core mission, which is, developing leaders to energize the future of nuclear,” said Amber Von Ruden, President of NAYGN.  “Our members are young professionals that have a drive to make an immediate impact within the nuclear energy industry. This partnership will create new, exciting opportunities and initiatives to help our organizations materialize the scale of this impact!”

This MOU strengthens CNA’s current relationship with NAYGN. One of the CNA’s board seats is currently occupied by a representative from the Canadian chapter of NAYGN. 

In the MOU, the two organizations agree to: 

• Support and champion the continued safe and reliable use of nuclear power for clean energy generation to meet climate objectives.
• Collaborate on public education initiatives, specifically on how nuclear can meet climate goals in partnership with renewables. 
• Support efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion within nuclear and collaborate on special projects as it relates to diversity and inclusion.
• Facilitate opportunities for cross-organizational mentoring and knowledge transfer to enhance both technical, professional and leadership skills.  

You can read the MOU here.

About the CNA

Since 1960, the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of the Canadian nuclear industry. Working alongside our members and all communities of interest, the CNA promotes the industry nationally and internationally, works with governments on policies affecting the sector and works to increase awareness and understanding of the value nuclear technology brings to the environment, economy and daily lives of Canadians.

About NAYGN

North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization which provides opportunities for a young generation of nuclear enthusiasts to develop strong leadership and professional skills, create lifelong connections, engage and inform the public, and inspire today’s nuclear technology professionals to meet the challenges of the 21st century. NAYGN was established in 1999 and now consists of 100+ chapters across North America. For more information: https://naygn.org

Media Contact

Paul Balik
Communications Officer
North American Young Generation in Nuclear
communications@naygn.org