Ottawa Community Social Innovation Student Fund
The Ottawa Community Social Innovation Student Fund is a new initiative to support students in Algonquin College’s Social Innovation Lab. The lab through the SLiDE (Service Learning in Design and Engineering) initiative hires teams of students at a living wage from the School of Advanced Technology and Media and Design. These SLiDE interns provide pro bono digital technology support to local social enterprises and non-profits. SLiDE provides students with the opportunity to gain real world, meaningful experiences, and empower our communities through student creativity and technological knowledge. Thanks to the support of this new fund launched through a generous donation, students can use their skills and talent in their chosen field to work towards bridging the technological gap that often exists in social sector organizations.
Aiden Carrie, Mobile Application Design and Development student, is the first student supported by the new fund. His project in the lab is focused on assisting the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard (GEFC) to streamline digital tools used to support their volunteers in feeding the community. “Being an intern at SLiDE has given me the opportunity to collaborate with a skilled team, while creating meaningful community partnerships,” said Carrie. In addition to work done with the GEFC, SLiDE’s Winter cohort has taken on five other community projects. These projects allow students to take initiative in effectively supporting their communities and provide a new perspective on what can be done to further adapt to an ever-changing environment.
“SLiDE was our intentional response to a call for action for education institutions to build social infrastructure. It was built on the profound desire to impact positive change in our community and our institution,” says Kevin Holmes, Managing Director, Social Innovation Lab.
The Lab would like to acknowledge the leadership and generous support of Chris Braeuel in establishing this innovative fund and his ongoing commitment to our community. When asked about his motivation for creating the Fund, Braeuel remarked with enthusiasm that “the pandemic is posing unique challenges for many students and local social enterprises alike. Having a targeted program, and fund, that fosters a mutually beneficial experience is a valuable contribution to our community.”
The fund leverages donations through existing Government programs for students’ internships ensuring maximum impact of the funds. Each dollar contributed can generate up to three additional dollars of funding for student employment. The fund is now accepting additional donations to ensure the growth and long-term sustainability of the fund and to allow the lab to continue to support amazing organizations in our community who help make this such a kind and caring community.