UCN Announces Official Launch of Computers for Schools Manitoba – The Pas Location: Promoting Education, Skills Development, and Environmental Responsibility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2023

(The Pas, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is proud to announce the official launch of the Computers for Schools (C4S) Manitoba location in The Pas, Manitoba. In partnership with UCN’s Information Technology Readiness North (InTeRN) Program, funded by the Future Skills Centre, this ground-breaking initiative aims to support education, skills development, and environmental responsibility through providing affordable technology.

C4S Manitoba is committed to providing refurbished computers to eligible clients, including schools and non-profit organizations. UCN students recently tested and refurbished 30 computers. The units will be donated to local Kelsey School Division and Opaskwayak Educational Authority schools. This work ensures more community members and students can access affordable technology in the north.

“We have always had historical challenges in serving the northern region due to geographical constraints,” said Justin Menard, Executive Director, Computers for Schools Manitoba, “We have a unique opportunity to utilize the skillsets of the students to further our mission while giving them (students) a real-world experience that supplements their education.”

UCN students in the InTeRN Program worked on and prepared the computers. The InTeRN program aims to onboard Indigenous women into work in the IT sector, and this partnership offers students valuable work experience. As part of the work-integrated-learning component of the training, the women test, clean, and refurbish donated equipment, thereby learning essential technical skills while contributing to their community.

“You’re working on these computers, and you know where they’re going to end up,” said Lakota Blackbird, UCN InTeRN student. “It feels really good because I’ve attended the school where they’re going. My daughter is at that school. I know the kids will be so excited to get these computers. They’re going to get to learn so much.”

“Students learn in several ways through the partnership between UCN’s InTeRN program and C4S,” said Roberta Marlow, Case Manager, InTeRN/C4S. “The hands-on application of their studies to refurbish computer equipment, practice troubleshooting, and install software is tremendous. Having the options to read, hear, see, and do allows for a fully encompassed experience for the students.”

The computers will be placed in the school division as early as April 24, 2023.

University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.
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CONTACT: Monte Koshel
UCN Director of Marketing, Communications & Recruitment
communications@ucn.ca | 204.627.8244