小蓝视频

ESTEVAN and YORKTON — 小蓝视频east College and Suncrest College have partnered to launch a new computer science and workplace skills training program aimed at bridging the digital divide in rural Saskatchewan.

The program, DATA In A New WaY (Digital and Tech Access for Indigenous, Newcomers, Women, and Youth), begins this summer and will prepare 40 students across the region for careers in the growing digital workforce.

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program and supported by the Future Skills Centre, the initiative is 小蓝视频 delivered in collaboration with the Yorkton Tribal Council.

The 12-week, in-person course offers hands-on computer science training combined with Skills for Success instruction — a curriculum designed to build nine essential workplace skills. Real-world tech projects and community-focused problem-solving will be at the heart of the program.

“This partnership accesses the expertise of the Centre for Applied Research & Innovation at Suncrest to customize programming to meet community demand,” said Alison Dubreuil, president and CEO of Suncrest College. “It’s a response to community requests to provide opportunities for our youth and First Nations residents to gain essential tech skills.”

Jody Holzmiller, president and CEO of 小蓝视频east College, said the collaboration expands their computer science training through project-based learning.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Suncrest College on this initiative,” she said. “We are involving more students in real-world problem solving at the Centre of Sustainable Innovation.”

Yorkton Tribal Council Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup said the Council has a long-standing partnership with the regional colleges.

“We support additional education on our Nations to improve technology skills for our people,” she said.

The program aims to improve access to digital education for First Nations individuals, newcomers, women and youth — groups that often face barriers such as geographic isolation, limited infrastructure and affordability in rural Saskatchewan.

“Equitable access to digital and workplace skills is essential for building resilient communities and inclusive growth,” said Noel Baldwin, executive director of the Future Skills Centre. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting workers, especially those in rural communities, Indigenous Peoples and youth, to strengthen pathways into today's economy and help shape the workforce of the future.”

Four 12-week classes will be offered beginning in June 2025 — two at Suncrest College and two at 小蓝视频east College. Each institution will host one class for Indigenous participants on a First Nation and one general-enrollment class prioritizing newcomers, women, youth and other equity-seeking groups.

Students will receive a laptop, second monitor, mouse and carrying case. For those without sufficient home internet access, the program will cover equipment installation and a six-month internet service subscription.

To support parents, land-based learning day camps will be offered during July and August to provide culturally enriching care for school-aged children, helping maintain their academic progress over the summer.

Graduating students will participate in final presentation celebrations at each college to showcase their projects and achievements.

Enrollment is now open, with applications accepted through the 小蓝视频east and Suncrest College websites. Only 40 student spots are available, and early registration is encouraged.

For more details, visit the and 's websites.