Students in Ottawa’s Britannia Woods community have a new opportunity to expand their learning after school.
In partnership with TechInsights, United Way East Ontario launched the After School STEM Learning Club for high school students in the Britannia neighbourhood.
Starting in October 2021, Britannia Woods Community House—the program lead—will offer 15-20 students year-round homework support, one-on-one math and science tutoring, nutrition support, and social engagement, with the ultimate goal of levelling the playing field for local youth who may not have supports like these readily accessible to them.
The program will introduce youth to the foundations of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), preparing them with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in the STEM field or any other field they choose.
Lots of smiles and thanks tonight at the launch of the @techinsightsinc @BritanniaWoods STEAM #Homework Club. Thanks to our @UnitedWayEO colleagues @MarkBelangerOtt and Brittany plus of course THE @msofa! Also to former colleague John Heckbert 🙏🏼 Much good will be done here ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4nw8BeDAgW
— Mark Taylor (@Go_Taylor) October 7, 2021
Partnering for impact
TechInsights—the authoritative information platform based in Ottawa serving the semiconductor and related markets—has a long history of serving their local community through a philanthropic relationship with United Way. When presented with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of local youth by providing them with supports to help them succeed in school, TechInsights’ CEO Gavin Carter embraced the idea whole–heartedly.
In 2020, as part of the company’s charitable focus supporting mental health and family-based initiatives, employees made their annual charitable contributions to United Way with the goal of making the learning club a reality.
TechInsights doubled every staff donation with a corporate match, and succeeded in launching this educational program that will foster a safe and engaging space for vulnerable youth, while also providing employees the chance to experience the impact first-hand through regular updates and mentorship opportunities.
“United Way has always had an instrumental role in the community with numerous initiatives to help those in need. It is critical for youth to have a good start in life—given our longstanding relationship and fundraising efforts with the United Way, combined with TechInsights’ technology focus on supporting innovation and decision making, there’s a natural synergy to support an after school STEM learning club that helps youth build a strong foundation to pursue future STEM opportunities.”
TechInsights expanded on its foundation of supporting technical innovation by also donating 20 Chromebook laptops that will be loaned out to learning club participants for the duration of the school year.
Creating long–term solutions
United Way East Ontario believes that every child across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County has the right to a good life, a safe place to grow up, to learn, and to make good friends—no matter where they live or what their personal circumstances are. That means succeeding in school and in life, and staying on track to graduate so that they can enter adulthood ready to take on the world.
We work with our partners to identify the most pressing local issues, and put solutions in place that address the root causes of those issues. Part of this is ensuring programs and initiatives are not band-aid solutions, but are sustainable for the future.
This is why partnerships like the TechInsights After School STEM Learning Club have multi-year models, to help ensure full cohorts of students are supported from grade nine through to graduation.
“A STEM Learning Club gives young people in Britannia Woods a safe and engaging place to go after school. It provides youth with a chance to grow new skills, develop improved emotional and academic skills, and build positive relationships that foster bonding among peers. The Learning Club promotes STEM education and encourages a career path within these fields."
Similar programs supported by United Way have seen the following results:
- 73% overall grade increase among all participating youth
- For those who were tutored, 92% improved their language, 78% of tutored youth improved their mathematics grades, and 76% improved their science grades
TechInsights’ enthusiasm has forged the path for other technology companies who may also be willing to partner with United Way in supporting STEM/STEAM learning.
Thank you to TechInsights employees and leadership for your commitment in making a measurable impact, and to Britannia Woods Community House for continuing to be a trusted partner in improving the lives of so many local individuals and families.
