Canada Learning Code Receives $525,000 Donation from Amazon; Funds Will Support Modernization of K-12 Computer Science Curriculum as well as Coding Education Programs

VANCOUVER, July 31, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada Learning Code, Canada's leading national charity championing digital literacy education, has received a $525,000 donation from Amazon to support the development of a Canadian kindergarten-to-grade-12 computer science education framework as well as coding education programs, including a traveling mobile classroom and Canada Learning Code Week. The donation from Amazon will help create 275,000 "learner" experiences over three years, empowering Canadian youth to learn skills to create and invent using technology.

"We are excited to embark on this new relationship with Amazon to help realize our vision of every child from kindergarten to grade 12 having the opportunity to learn the skills they will need for the future," said Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO of Canada Learning Code. "This donation by Amazon will have a transformative effect on Canadian skills development needed to prosper in the digital economy."

"We are proud to support Canada Learning Code on their mission to ensure every Canadian student has access to computer science education," said Alexandre Gagnon, Vice President for Amazon Canada and Mexico. "This donation will help provide students the skills they need to excel in one of Canada's fastest growing job sectors."

Research conducted by Abacus Data and Canada Learning Code in June 2018 revealed broad support from Canadians for the adoption of a K-12 computer science framework in the education curriculum. In Canada today, only three out of 13 provinces and territories offer formal opportunities in their curriculum for students to learn these skills.

An updated curriculum will further accelerate entry of women and those from less advantaged backgrounds into in-demand roles. For example, women in Canada make up about one in four ICT professionals according to research by the Information and Communications Technology Council. 

The Future of Work in Vancouver
To mark this new collaboration, Canada Learning Code and Amazon are co-hosting a "Future of Work" event in Vancouver to discuss how to prepare Canadians for the workforce of tomorrow. 

The event will be open to members of the media and feature a panel with:

• Amazon's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Human Resources, Beth Galetti;
• Canada Learning Code CEO, Melissa Sariffodeen;
• BC Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, Hon. Bruce Ralston; and 
• CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, Carolyn Tuckwell. 

A livestream of the event can be watched by following @AmazonNews on Twitter starting at 9:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday, July 31st.

Canada Learning Code's Melissa Sariffodeen & Amazon's Jesse Dougherty are available for interviews

About Canada Learning Code
Canada Learning Code is Canada's leading national charity championing digital literacy education. Placing a special emphasis on women, girls, people with disabilities, Indigenous youth and newcomers, Canada Learning Code is proud to work from coast to coast to make sure that all Canadians have access to the knowledge they need to prosper in our digital world.

Originally founded as Ladies Learning Code in 2011, the organization has evolved to run programming for adults, youth and educators through programs Ladies, Girls, Kids, Teens and Teachers Learning Code. Today, Canada Learning Code operates in over 35 communities across the country, driving results through program design and delivery, strategic industry and public partnerships, research and advocacy. To date, the organization has reached over 90,000 learners through an in-person experience.

National K-12 Computer Science Curriculum Framework
Canada Learning Code's ultimate goal is for every Canadian from coast-to-coast-coast to learn computer science in school from kindergarten to grade 12. To make this a reality, Canada Learning Code in collaboration with partners across industry, academia, private and public sectors, with representation across all provinces and territories, will drive the development of a K-12 computer science framework to engage Canadians and be adopted within Canadian school curriculums.

Code Mobile
What began as a summer road trip is now Canada's boldest educational outreach initiative. Canada Learning Code's Code Mobile fleet travels to communities large and small to host coding workshops for youth and educators. It's the perfect way to bring coding to your classroom or community and show youth how to be builders -- and not just consumers of technology!

Canada Learning Code Week
Over the course of the week, Canada Learning Code invites Canadians to gather in schools, libraries, friendship centres, museums, and other community places to learn about and celebrate the history of Canada.

Canada Learning Code equips educators with materials and training to deliver coding lessons during the week that will bring Canadian stories to life, digitally! No coding experience necessary. Canada Learning Code Week 2018 will take place December 3-10.

Follow Canada Learning Code on Social Media
Twitter: @learningcode  Instagram: @learningcode Facebook: @canadalearningcode

SOURCE Canada Learning Code

Media Contact: Jamie Ellerton | [email protected] | 647.475.5659