Better Access to Digital Learning for Pathways to Education Students in Regent Park

$100,000 Donation Helps Accommodate Pathways' Growth

TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2013 /CNW/ - Pathways to Education Canada, an organization that is reducing high school dropout rates in low-income communities, and Regent Park Community Health Centre celebrate the unique contribution made by Google Canada. With this funding, Pathways participants now have access to digital learning and Pathways' programming in a new space being unveiled in the Daniels Spectrum building located at 585 Dundas Street East, Toronto. Named The Pathways to Education Regent Park Digital Bridge, the centre will provide the space and tools necessary to effectively deliver core components of the Pathways program - tutoring and mentoring - in an interactive, connected environment. The centre will also enable students to come to a convenient and inspiring place to access online tutoring tools and other information made possible only through access to technology.

"In our previous space, there was little room for technology or a computer lab as much of Pathways' programming took place in local church basements and schools," said Sheila Braidek, Executive Director, Regent Park Community Health Centre. "Now, more than ever, students striving to move from high school to post-secondary require access to technology and the many advantages that come with being connected. This new space will provide students with the digital learning aids they will need to persevere."

Google Canada's funding enabled Pathways to Education Regent Park to secure a space in the new Daniels Spectrum building, providing Pathways students access to The Digital Bridge and an opportunity to use the technology for independent learning and homework as well as group study and training. A new digital literacy curriculum has been developed by Pathways and will be launched in February 2013 at an event held in the new space.

What:	Media reception for Pathways to Education Regent Park Digital Bridge
Where:	Pathways to Education Regent Park, Daniels Spectrum, Toronto
When:	Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 5:15 - 7:00
Who:	David Hughes, President & CEO, Pathways to Education Canada Chris O'Neill, Managing Director, Google Canada Sheila Braidek, Executive Director, Regent Park Community Health Centre Abdilatif Mohamed, Leader of Pathways Regent Park's Google sketch program Keegan Harbajan, Pathways Regent Park Tutoring Program Facilitator Sharmini Fernando, Pathways Regent Park Program Director
Photo Opportunity:	Pathways Regent Park students, Google Representatives, Pathways representatives and partners

Located in the heart of Regent Park, the Pathways program director will be determining how this centre can further benefit and serve the broader community.

"We are proud to be working with Pathways Canada and the development of the new Regent Park Digital Bridge for the youth community in the area to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to enter and succeed in the creative digital workforce of the future," said Chris O'Neill, Managing Director, Google Canada. "Contributing to our communities is a big part of what inspires us at Google" 

Google Canada will continue to work with Pathways Canada to create digital learning programming that will be piloted in this centre and potentially rolled out in other Pathways sites across Canada.

Founded in 2001, Pathways to Education Canada, along with its many partners, has been dedicated to increasing high school graduation rates in low-income communities across the nation. Pathways to Education students receive academic tutoring, group mentoring, financial assistance and one-on-one advocacy support. To learn more about Pathways to Education and sites in your local community, visit www.facebook.com/pathwaystoeducationcanada or www.pathwaystoeducation.ca.

About Pathways to Education Canada - www.pathwaystoeducation.ca
Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization that helps youth in low-income communities graduate from high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education or training. Pathways addresses systemic barriers to education by providing leadership, expertise and a community-based program proven to lower dropout rates. Founded in 2001, Pathways operates in twelve communities across Canada, with programs in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.

About Google Inc. - www.google.com
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

 

 

SOURCE: Pathways to Education Canada

For further information:

Nina Kalos, Citizen Optimum, [e-mail], 416.306.6624