Today, RBC Foundation presented a cheque for $11,800 to United Way CSO for <CODE>anagan, a tech program for disadvantaged youth. Led by United Way, the program is a partnership with Accelerate Okanagan, Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and Okanagan College that will provide youth with bootcamps and mentorship to inspire them to pursue a career in the tech sector.
“We are delighted to be able to provide this support to United Way’s <CODE>anagan program,” says Ray Warren, RBC VP Commercial Banking. “This funding is part of RBC Future Launch which is a $500M grant designed to help youth succeed in the new economy. The work that United Way does in our community and across the country is very, very important.”
RBC Future Launch is a commitment to help young Canadians prepare for a drastically changing workforce. RBC Future Launch focuses on three critical gaps: helping youth get work experience, helping youth grow their network, and helping youth gain new skills.
Shown above: Ray Warren, RBC VP Commercial Banking and Art Monahan, RBC Branch Manager present cheque to Jeremy Lugowy, Resource Development Manager and Helen Jackman, Executive Director of United Way Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen.
“At United Way, we are passionate about unlocking potential,” says Helen Jackman, Executive Director United Way CSO. “There is so much talent right here on our doorstep, talent that our growing tech sector needs to flourish. But, for many young people, that talent needs support and encouragement. That’s what <CODE>anagan is designed to do.”
<CODE>anagan will give disadvantaged youth opportunities in the tech sector. Through a series of bootcamps and mentorship on subjects ranging from audio engineering and video game development to Android app development, <CODE>anagan will ignite imagination and aspiration among a group of young people who wouldn’t typically believe they could pursue a future in tech. More info at: www.codeanagan.com
The CODEanagan pilot started this Spring with 4 bootcamps funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Skills. United Way CSO will be officially launching a campaign in the fall to attract donors and participants.
About United Way CSO
For 67 years, the United Way of the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen has served the region from Lake Country in the North, to Osoyoos and Princeton in the South. Our mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. The United Way invests in three focus areas that support all that kids can be, move people from poverty to possibility and building healthy people, strong communities.
