The Lasallian Socio-Educational Center, with the support of Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), announces the opening of a new educational laboratory in the Saint-Michel district, in Montreal. L’AWS Big Thinking Space – first in the country and in the French-speaking world – is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between AWS and the Lasallian Center to create a space dedicated to students, educators and residents of the neighborhood, which allows all those wishing to explore the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) the opportunity to do so.
This new space will serve as an educational incubator where everything from curriculum to technology to furniture supports interactive, hands-on learning. Newly equipped with an interactive touch table, a 3D printer, robots, mini computers and more, users will be able to embark on a range of learning paths ranging from coding, programming, to robotics. , to give just these examples. They will be encouraged to explore innovative and imaginative ideas related to STEAM fields and to dare to “think big” through year-round programming.
“Think Big” is one of Amazon’s leadership principles that encourages leaders to think differently and communicate bold direction in order to achieve results.
Located in the heart of the Montreal district of Saint-Michel, the Lasallien Center aims to reduce inequalities and promote the social and academic success of young people and young adults, while helping them to become engaged, open-minded, proactive citizens. and responsible. “We live in an increasingly digital world,” explained Paul Evra, general director of the Lasallian Center. “Our visitors are showing a growing interest in these disciplines, which are focused on problem solving and known to stimulate creativity. With the support of AWS, we are able to improve our programming, better meet their needs and channel their energy towards areas of interest that can offer them a better future. For some, it’s giving them access to cutting-edge hardware and equipment that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to, while for others, it’s giving them the tools, confidence and the means to realize their dreams. »
Through its program AWS at the heart of communitiesAWS strives to make a positive impact in the communities where its data centers are located and where its employees live, work and raise their families. Since 2016, the Greater Montreal region has been the hub of AWS data centers in Quebec and the home of local operations, talent and ongoing investment.
While there is strong demand for a workforce qualified in technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, the pool remains clearly insufficient to meet it. Currently, 83% of companies in the country plan to integrate AI into their activities, but more than three out of four Canadian employers report having difficulty recruiting AI. Accelerating demand for the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications will bring a new wave of IT job growth. But future talents still need to be exposed to technologies by discovering them, manipulating them and pushing their interest further.
“AWS shares with the Lasallian Center an ambitious vision of helping to train the next generation of Quebecers of great thinkers and builders, by giving those long underrepresented in these fields the means and an equal opportunity to succeed in disciplines that fascinate them ,” said Réjean Bourgault, national director at AWS. “Our involvement with the Lasallian Center seeks to amplify the scope of their work for the 5,000 young people who attend it and, more broadly, for the youth of Saint-Michel. »
The Mayor of the Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension district, Laurence Lavigne-Lalondeenthusiastically welcomes the arrival of the AWS Big Thinking Space. “The Lasallian Center has done remarkable work for more than 20 years to create a stimulating environment where the many young people in the neighborhood can flourish and prosper under the direction of experienced educators and all this in a key location. We are happy to see that a company like AWS has chosen to support the Center’s initiatives and supports the residents of our neighborhood. The AWS Big Thinking Space will allow visitors to develop their scientific curiosity or explore their existing passion in an environment better suited to their needs, encouraging experimentation and discovery. It is an initiative entirely in line with the common vision we have for the young people of Saint-Michel. »
“The creation of the Big Thinking Space allows us to set up introductory programs in coding and artificial intelligence, science workshops for a female clientele with the Scientifines, all-purpose workshops for exploration of digital technology and FabLab-type workshops where young people will bring projects to life using digitalization and 3D printing,” said Catherine Rousseau, director of programming at the Lasallian Center “School retention and drop-out are at the heart of our action and are reflected in our programming. In a district where the graduation rate remains a challenge, an initiative like AWS’ Big Thinking Space fits perfectly into the Center’s programming and purpose. »
“Today, it is more important than ever to ensure that educational opportunities are directly linked to quality jobs. This new space will contribute to the development of local technology skills by offering users the means to pursue a career in this sector. We are proud to help ensure the sustainability of a strong, diverse and more equitable workforce for the digital economy here,” concluded Mr. Bourgault.
