School of Advanced Technology

Leacross Foundation Donates $60,000 for Women in STEM Initiatives

On this day celebrating International Day of Women and girls in Science, Algonquin College is pleased to announce that the Leacross Foundation has donated $60,000 to support women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs at Algonquin College. In total, Leacross has donated over $600,000 to Algonquin College over the past 16 years.

“The Leacross Foundation continues to be a strong supporter of promoting and enhancing opportunities for women in STEM-related fields,” said Mark Savenkoff, Vice President, Advancement. “Through their generosity and support, they are ensuring women have the tools they need to succeed in their chosen fields here at Algonquin, and we are thrilled they are leading the way to ensure female learners are set up to succeed.”

Students are grateful and appreciative of the donation. “The Leacross Foundation Bursary provided not only financial relief, but also mental relief, which directly affected my success in the career path I had ahead of me,” said Meredith Kucey, a 2014 recipient of the bursary. “I will be forever grateful for the generosity of the Foundation.” Kucey is a graduate of the Welding and Fabrication Techniques program. She merged her welding skills and creativity as a jeweler, with her Meredith Kucey Jewelry Design line.

These funds will support two goals; providing bursaries for women in the We Saved You a Seat program in financial need and purchasing take-home kits for female learners to support their remote learning activities.
The kits reduce the reliance of hands-on lab activities traditionally performed on campus and complements remote learning activities. Each kit includes essential tools for our learners to conduct their electrical experiments from home: a PC-based oscilloscope, a multi-meter, electronic parts, tools, a power supply, and circuit prototyping supplies.

We Saved You a Seat (WSYAS) is a program at Algonquin College that actively recruits and supports women pursuing education in STEM.

WSYAS aims to create an environment where women feel a sense of true belonging. WSYAS achieves this through active and intentional recruiting, building awareness with women about the value of STEM programs, connecting students to female mentors and equipping instructors to teach in gender inclusive classrooms.
The program serves to allocate 30 percent of available seats in Algonquin’s Electrical Engineering Technician, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician, Computer Systems Technician, and Powerline Technician programs for women who meet admission standards.

To learn more visit: https://www.algonquincollege.com/future-students/we-saved-you-a-seat/

To read coverage about the donation in the Ottawa Business Journal click here.

Scotiabank presents its first Women in Tech Award to two Algonquin College students

On January 31, 2020, Denise Silva and Khushbu Shah became the first two recipients of the Scotiabank Women in Tech Award, an award given as part of the We Saved You a Seat program.

In demonstrating their commitment to women’s success in STEM, Scotiabank is helping remove financial barriers and is opening doors to those wanting to begin a career in the technology sector. Their contribution will also go to provide support to these students as they begin their professional journeys.

“Scotiabank strongly believes that by investing in an academic institution such as Algonquin College, we are positioning women to be our future leaders,” said Laurence Levy, Scotiabank’s Regional Vice-President, Québec. “We hope that our award helps them reach their potential and acquire the skils and resources they need to succeed in this industry.”

During this intimate luncheon event, students enrolled in STEM-focused programs had a chance to connect with Scotiabank representatives and share their experiences in a collaborative and supportive environment.

“With the help of Scotiabank and their leadership approach to this award and initiative, we are well on our way to supporting the next generation for women in STEM industries,’” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO. “At the same time, we are establishing a diverse learning environment where our learners can excel.”

As part of Scotiabank’s commitment, the company has invested $160,000 to be infused in the We Saved You a Seat program and corresponding awards over the next four years. These awards will support five full-time students annually in the amount of $1,000 per level.

Denise, a student in the Computer Systems Technician program, discovered her passion for IT after working for a company in the role of IT service support. This single mother of twins is now pursuing formal education and is working towards becoming an Information Technology Support Specialist.

“This award has been a huge help for me, and it came just at the right moment” said Denise. “I know I’ve chosen the right program and I’m loving it.”

Fascinated by electronic toys at a young age, Khushbu, the other Scotiabank Award recipient, knew the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician program was a good fit. The program bridges the gap between theory and practice and that appeals to her. Khushbu credits the Scotiabank Women in Tech Award for a morale boost and increased self-confidence.

Following the award ceremony, members of the Scotiabank team completed their visit with a tour of the DARE District where they had a chance to see some of the impressive projects being completed by students.

First ADGA Women in Tech Award presented to Algonquin College Student

On December 6, 2019, Ndona Wansaula, a Computer System Technician student at Algonquin College, received the very first ADGA Women in Tech Award as part of the We Saved You A Seat program.

With similar goals to the College, ADGA, a leading national defence, security and IM/IT company, became a proud donor to the We Saved You a Seat program. This three-year pilot project at Algonquin College was created to deliver a diverse learning environment all while increasing the number of women in the technology industry.

The ADGA Women in Tech Award awards $5,000 over two semesters to up to two full-time female students enrolled in the Computer Systems Technician (Co-op) program in the School of Advanced Technology.

During the presentation, Françoise Gagnon, Chief Executive Officer of the ADGA Group, spoke of her experiences as one of only a few female executives within the Defence, Security and Enterprise Computing sector.

“The times are changing and this is your time,” said Françoise Gagnon. “You are that generation of women who will shatter the glass ceiling. There is a vast market out there looking for your skills, I am looking for your skills.”

Earlier this year, Françoise received an Honourary Degree from the College in recognition of her incredible commitment to the technology sector and community.

During this intimate event, students enrolled in STEM-focused programs had a chance to connect with leading women in technology and share their experiences in a collaborative and supportive environment.

“There is a need for a program like ‘We Saved You A Seat,’” said Laura Stanbra, Vice President, Student Services. “The industry is growing and diversifying, and we want to be part of training the next generation of skilled female workers in the technology sector.”

From a young age, award recipient Ndona found information technology so fascinating that she decided to pursue a career in the sector. In 2013, she graduated from the Kigali institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Rwanda, and six years later, she enrolled in the Computer System Technician Program at Algonquin College.

“What drew me to the program is the balance of hands-on experience and theory,” said Ndona. “Because of this award, I am closer to reaching my goals.”

After graduation, Ndona aspires to return to Burundi or Rwanda to start her own company that would provide technical services to humanitarian organizations and educate youth with IT and programming.

In closing, Francoise offered this encouragement: “Welcome, we’ve been waiting for you.”