Durham College sponsors and hosts robotics competition for hundreds of Ontario high school students

Oshawa, Ont. – More than 600 high school students from across the province gathered at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa campus to put their engineering skills and student-designed robots to the test by participating in sport-like games at the 2024 FIRST® Robotics Durham College District Competition, this past weekend.

More than 20 challenge teams used sophisticated technology to build and program industrial-sized 120lb robots and compete in an action-packed, alliance-based game on a themed field. With the guidance of industry professionals, students used their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to operate their robots and used problem-solving skills that apply to real-world situations.

As one of Canada’s leading colleges, DC was the perfect backdrop for the district competition, which encouraged participants to consider a future education in the in-demand STEM fields.

“We’re proud to once again be sponsoring and hosting the annual FIRST® Robotics Durham College District Competition this weekend,” said Tony Doyle, Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Information Technology, and interim Executive Dean, Faculty of Business, DC, at the competition on Saturday. “This event is always an exciting time for us since we get to see the bright, young, STEM enthusiasts using their imagination, engineering and teamwork skills in an exciting new way.”

This year’s arts-inspired game theme – CRESCENDO – provided a unique twist for challenge teams by encouraging students to raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM education within the local community through the development of outreach events, marketing plans, and even fundraising initiatives.

“We know that the skills they learn during this competition are the building blocks for success in post-secondary learning and lead to rewarding careers in STEM and skilled trades,” added Doyle.

At the end of the exhilarating weekend, three teams were crowned as the FIRST Robotics Durham College District Competition Champions: Team 1241 “Theory6” and Team 1285 “The Biggest Birds” both from Rick Hansen Secondary School in Mississauga, and Team 9621 “Payload” a community team from Whitby. In addition to their champion title, Team 1241 “Theory6” also received FIRST‘s highest honour, the FIRST Impact Award.

A full list of FIRST Robotics award winners can be found online.

 

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

 

Media Contact
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca


Durham College’s cutting-edge EV lab named in honour of Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke

$750,000 donation supports electric vehicle education and innovation

Durham College’s (DC) new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) lab has been named the Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre, in recognition of the generous support of philanthropists Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke.

The family’s most recent donation of $750,000 – bringing their total giving to DC to $1 million – demonstrates their commitment to supporting higher education and innovation. The new name was unveiled at a ceremony at DC’s Whitby campus on February 8.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Vanhaverbeke family and The Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke Foundation for their unwavering support,” said DC president Don Lovisa. “Community support is essential to our success and this gift is a testament to the Vanhaverbeke family’s trust in Durham College and our commitment to hands-on learning and innovative skilled trades programs. This gift will help us create opportunities to lead the way in advancing EV and sustainable technology in the auto sector.”

The Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre is part of a 9,060-square-foot expansion and revitalization of the main building at DC’s Whitby campus. The centre educates motive power technicians on EVs with programs centred on hands-on, experiential learning.

“Our family is grateful to be a part of such an important program at Durham College,” said Edmond Vanhaverbeke. “The growing EV market will play a vital role toward reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and it is exciting to be a part of that. Plus, we have Durham College alumni in our family and see the value of having a dynamic post-secondary institution within Durham Region educating in the cutting-edge trades that drive our economy locally and beyond.”

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contacts

Reka Szekely
Communications, Durham College
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca


Durham College seeking to honour exceptional alumni who are leading the way

Nominations for 2024 Alumni of Distinction award now open

Oshawa, ON – With thousands of alumni making a mark in their communities, Durham College (DC) is now accepting nominations to recognize the trailblazers among them through the Alumni of Distinction Awards.

DC’s remarkable alumni community exceeds 110,000 people who play impactful roles both locally and internationally. Since 1990, over 100 alumni have been honoured with the Alumni of Distinction Award. Recipients are chosen for their professional, community and personal accomplishments, contributions to the advancement of DC, and the scope of impact for their achievements. Winners have ranged from respected medical practitioners and educators to accomplished broadcasters and engineers.

“A Durham College education has been a launching pad for tremendous success for our alumni in both their personal and professional lives,” said Don Lovisa, DC President. “Celebrating their exceptional accomplishments through these awards offers a unique opportunity to recognize and applaud their achievements as they serve as the inspiration for the upcoming generation of DC alumni leaders.”

The 2023 Alumni of Distinction included Edmonton Oilers executive Stew MacDonald, Top Chef Canada winner Tre Sanderson and Christine Cunningham, founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario.

Nomination forms are available online at durhamcollege.ca/alumniofdistinction and should be submitted to alumni@durhamcollege.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 1. The awards will be presented at DC’s Spring Convocation in June.

 

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media contact:

Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
Durham College
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca


Durham College puts mental health in the game with HONE athletics partnership

Oshawa, Ont. – Mental health and well-being looks different for everyone, but for athletes, there is a unique feeling of pressure, expectations and the desire to win.

To help address this pressure and encourage student-athletes to prioritize their mental health, Durham College’s (DC) women’s volleyball team is partnering with HONE Athletics through a unique digital mental health platform that helps increase team communication and well-being through weekly check-ins.

According to Scott Dennis, Director, Athletics and Recreation, the DC women’s volleyball team has benefited tremendously from using HONE over the past year and expects to continue to see positive results this season.

The app works by prompting players to conveniently and anonymously answer survey questions based on a rating scale from their cell phone. The results are instantly delivered to the coaches, better equipping them with a snapshot of how their players are feeling.

“After using HONE, I’m more mindful of my team and the needs they may require,” says Tony Clarke, Head Coach, DC women’s volleyball team. “HONE provides helpful tips and strategies that could help with the team and players. It makes me look beyond coaching and try to understand what the athletes are going through.”

For Aislinn Pedersen, a DC Photography student and member of the women’s volleyball team, prioritizing her mental health is important as it not only affects her performance on the court but also her grades.

“My favourite thing about the HONE app is that it helps my team and me think about our own feelings and how it may be affecting our everyday life. This initiative has improved my team’s communication, which has helped us do more for each other on and off the court,” said Pedersen. “I love my team and I don’t know where I would be without them, I have had mental health struggles for years, but this team has helped me become a stronger person and I can’t thank them enough.”

HONE Athletics was created by Jessica Renney and Paula McQuaid, two sport psychotherapists who realized they needed a way to get ahead of the issues that athletes commonly face.

“When we make athlete mental health a priority; when we have a proper understanding of how to best support athletes; and when we pay careful attention to the environments in which they exist, we will see athletes thrive,” said McQuaid. “The women’s volleyball teams’ willingness to participate in HONE every week, coupled with the care and courage from their head coach, Tony Clarke, makes our partnership with DC a very special one.”

Learn more about the mental health and well-being services and resources available on campus, online.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact:
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca


FIRST LEGO League Provincial Championship takes over Durham College

Oshawa, ON – The Oshawa campus of Durham College (DC) played host to the brightest young minds in Ontario this weekend as they competed in the 2024 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Ontario Provincial Championship.

More than 500 Grade 4 to 8 students took part in the DC-sponsored event, guided by adult coaches and cheered on by friends and family. Their engineering skills and student-designed LEGO-based robots were put to the test in a variety of challenges.

The theme of the event, MASTERPIECE, immersed students in the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, while learning all the ways it can intersect with the arts. DC was the ideal setting for such a theme; our Mixed Reality Capture Studio is a prime example of how STEM can contribute to the arts, boasting state-of-the-art motion capture technology, VR headsets and virtual production capabilities.

“As we look to the future, the students here today are the ones who will not only dream of what’s possible, but take the steps to make it a reality,” said DC President Don Lovisa during Saturday’s opening ceremony. “Your imagination will change the way we experience and interact with art and technology in the years to come.”

After two days of friendly competition, Les robots-franco-zarts from Aurora placed first in the East division, and Stampsations from Mississauga placed first in the West division.

You can learn more about FIRST LEGO League online.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media contact:
Jason Chamberlain
Communications Officer
Durham College
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca


Durham College supports the Region’s growing virtual production industry with new, collaborative event and on-campus services

Oshawa, Ont. – The rapidly evolving virtual production industry contributes over $3 billion to Ontario’s economy each year, helping to make Durham Region an innovative hub for industry professionals. More than 60 of those experts came together last week for Industry Day, hosted by Durham College (DC), to discuss emerging trends and predictions for the future of film and television through an engaging and collaborative conversation.

“Events like this celebrate the expertise of industry experts, our services at Durham College, and the future of applied research,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, Dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) at DC. “It’s important to support the growing virtual production industry and the professionals who require innovative solutions for increased productivity and growth.”

Guest panellists at the event included Tristan Cezair, Escent Labs; Mike DiLisi, Ontario Power Generation; Käroli Grenman, Virtual Production House; and Tim Hatch, APG Media Group. Attendees also heard from Justin Cutler, Ontario Film Commissioner from Ontario Creates who shared his support and deep connection with DC. Additionally, Corey Ross, CEO of Lighthouse Immersive and Starvox Entertainment shared a thrilling keynote presentation featuring stories from throughout his career in virtual production, having brought spectacular film and art experiences, such as Disney Immersive, to life for people around the world. He shared his insights on the industry and the benefit to Durham Region by having services like the ones available at DC in the community.

“Access to government funding, access to developing new things, working with students and getting new and fresh ideas – I think all of that comes together in a really interesting way,” said Ross. “This is a business that needs to keep developing and getting new ideas. The public doesn’t want it to stay still, they’re coming to see something new, and the industry doesn’t want to sit still, so to have a hub of innovation like this at Durham College is wonderful.”

In 2023, DC ranked as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges for the 10th time thanks to its commitment to innovative thinking and world class services and talent that support Durham Region in new and dynamic ways. In the last three years, ORSIE, home to the college’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio which features one of only three Captury Live systems in Canada and provides clients with technical and advisory services, as well as training and research and development, has worked with over 300 client projects and hired more than 600 students to work on real-world challenges, contributing to solutions that grow the local economy.

In addition, DC’s program offerings support workforce development by preparing the next generation of professionals with hands-on industry experience, and the research of the MRC studio provides critical support to the entertainment industry as technology and research and development become more embedded in filmmaking.

Foreign and domestic film productions have high demands for studio space in the Greater Toronto Area, and Durham Region’s offerings and wide range of capabilities combined with DC’s local research and development services make it an attractive location for industry professionals looking to elevate their projects and make an impact in this booming industry.

“Over the past 10 years, Durham’s film and television industry has grown significantly and now, thanks to DC’s MRC studio, offers virtual production services, too,” said Eileen Kennedy, Film and Television Industry Specialist at Invest Durham. “Durham College is a leader through its development in experiential application which integrate motion capture, virtual reality, augmented reality and virtual production – helping the Region become more involved in the creative ecosystem.”

The future is bright for those interested in joining the in-demand field of film and television production, and Corey Ross has personal advice on what it takes to succeed.

“Perseverance and staying in the picture is important – you have to hang in there,” he shared. “Even if things don’t seem to be going well, stay on track and as long as you’re in the game there’s something to be done and experienced.”

Learn more about DC’s ORSIE and its applied research services online, and visit DC’s Faculty of Media, Art & Design to find your perfect program to prepare for a career in this exciting industry.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

 

Media Contact:
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca


Dr. Elaine Popp is named Durham College’s next President

Durham College Board Chair Dr. Gail Johnson Morris announced today that Dr. Elaine Popp has been appointed Durham College’s (DC) next President. Dr. Popp’s term begins on March 1, 2024, and follows the conclusion of current President, Don Lovisa’s tenure.

Following an extensive executive search and rigorous selection process, the DC Board of Governors unanimously endorsed Dr. Popp’s appointment as its sixth president.

“Dr. Popp is an impactful, proven and strategic post-secondary leader; her skills, knowledge and experience will continue to drive innovative programming and build on DC’s strong best-in-class reputation,” said Dr. Johnson Morris. “During her tenure as our Executive Vice President, Academic, Dr. Popp’s innovative and creative solutions have ensured that Durham College’s students have rich opportunities for experiential learning while also strengthening industry partnerships. Her results demonstrate that she is the ideal leader for Durham College.”

With more than 24 years of successful and progressive post-secondary sector experience in Ontario, Dr. Popp has led DC’s core teaching and learning business as Executive Vice President, Academic, for eight years. During this time, she has repeatedly demonstrated her passion for student success and her rare ability to leverage higher education’s emergent trends to create relevant programming that meets student needs and anticipates industry expectations.

Working with DC’s high-performing teams, Dr. Popp has spearheaded the launch of several successful strategic frameworks for DC, including the Academic Plan, Enrolment Management Plan, Internationalization and Global Engagement Plan and the five-year New Program Development Plan. These frameworks emphasize how she leverages the importance of systems thinking, effective planning and thoughtful resource management to achieve DC’s mission – Together, we’re leading the way.

Under Dr. Popp’s strategic leadership, with her teams, she:

  • Launched 50 new cutting-edge academic programs, including the college’s six applied degree programs;
  • Introduced new work-integrated learning opportunities by adding co-op or work terms to 30 programs;
  • Established five applied research centres supporting DC’s recognition as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges;
  • Demonstrated DC’s dedication to quality assurance during our most recent College Quality Assurance Audit Process, where DC was awarded the highest result possible; and
  • Thoughtfully and responsibly increased domestic and international student enrolment.

“I am incredibly honoured and excited to have the privilege of serving as DC’s next President. I am passionately invested in the success of DC, and how we can build upon the strong foundation that has been established and shape an even more sustainable, people-focused, equity-driven college and foster meaningful connections with the local community and broader global society,” said Dr. Popp. “I am committed to the college, its employees, students, alumni, community, and partners. I deeply care for DC and our shared goal of making meaningful contributions through the work we do.”

As a testament to her in-demand leadership and deep roots in the college sector, Dr. Popp serves as Vice-Chair of the Coordinating Committee of Vice-Presidents, Academic (CCVPA), member of the executive committees for CCVPA and the Coordinating Committee of Vice-Presidents, International (CCVPI), the Chair Academy Advisory Board, and the College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Coordinating Committee. Dr. Popp has also contributed provincially by serving on the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, Ontario Colleges Library Services, Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer, and the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service Boards for the maximum terms.

A proven lifelong learner and distinguished academic, Dr. Popp holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science, Honours Biology and Kinesiology from York University. She came to DC after holding several academic and leadership roles, starting as a Faculty member, moving to Program Coordinator, Associate Dean and Associate Vice President, Academic at Humber College, and contributing as Program Head for the University of Guelph-Humber.

Keenly attuned to provincial priorities, policy, needed advocacy, risks, and emergent opportunities, Dr. Popp is the right choice to build upon DC’s position as a post-secondary education leader today and as we evolve in the future.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact
Lindsay Holley
Director, Communications
Lindsay.Holley@durhamcollege.ca
905-926-7418


Durham, Sheridan, St. Clair, and Fanshawe College partner to support women in Red Seal Trades

A new venture aimed at increasing women’s participation and retention rates in Red Seal trades across Ontario has received over $2 million in federal funding.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem brings together Durham College, Sheridan College, St. Clair College and Fanshawe College, in partnership with Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union. Unifor contributed an additional $300,000 to the grant.

Over three years, this group will spearhead initiatives focused on elevating awareness and providing opportunities for women in exploring career education, networking and apprenticeships within the Red Seal skilled trades. The Red Seal Program sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada. The Red Seal endorsement is proof that a tradesperson has met the national standard in their trade.

By 2025, one in five jobs in Ontario will be in the skilled trades, and it’s estimated that by 2028, the skilled trades shortage in Ontario will increase to 560,000. With women making up just 5 per cent of workers in the skilled trades in Canada, this program will work towards closing this gap through the retention of these talented tradespeople, offering women the support they need to be successful in their chosen fields.

Key to the partnership’s goals is the establishment of a Women in Trades Network which will feature a community for apprentices and women in the trades. This network will aim to build community through events and mentorship (both virtual and in person). Sheridan, St. Clair, Fanshawe and Durham will leverage their well-respected expertise, industry contacts and alumni within the skilled trades to build and maintain this network, offering women in the skilled trades a safe space to connect, network and share lived experiences.

Some of the additional key goals of Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem include:

  • Increased partner network capacity to support women in skilled trades.
  • Increased participation and higher retention of women apprentices.
  • Reduced barriers for women to accessing trades training and finding secure employment.
  • Increased preparedness and willingness by industry partners and employers to continue hiring women apprentices.
  • Increased knowledge of the long-term recruitment strategies for women entering the Red Seal trades.

 

QUOTES

“Reducing barriers for women entering the skilled trades is an essential part of expanding and diversifying Canada’s workforce. We created the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative to help women participate and succeed in Red Seal trades apprenticeships through projects like the Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem. Supporting Women in the skilled trades is not just the right thing to do, it will help meet the growing demand for skilled trades workers and help grow our economy.”

Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

“Empowering women in skilled trades isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s an investment in our shared success. Our Government is proud to support initiatives like this collaboration between colleges and Unifor, creating pathways for women to excel. We will continue to build a workforce that harnesses every talent, ensuring everyone in Canada has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South

“Unifor is proud to partner with Sheridan, St. Clair, Fanshawe and Durham Colleges to support the Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem program. For too long systemic barriers have meant far too few women enter the trades with even fewer choosing to remain. It is past time for women to take their rightful place as Red Seal Tradespeople. Our union is committed to supporting the colleges’ bold new initiatives to that end.”

Lana Payne, Unifor National President

“Durham College is proud to support this project as a means to increase the engagement and success of women in the skilled trades by identifying and removing barriers to their participation. Through this partnership, we will continue to lead the way by developing knowledgeable and experienced skilled trades graduates who can step into rewarding careers that can make a difference in our local communities.”

Elaine Popp, Executive Vice President, Academic, Durham College

“Increasing access to training and addressing the shortfall of skilled workers in Ontario is a key focus for Sheridan as an institution. We know that the women studying in our trades programs are skilled, strong, capable and poised to succeed. We can, and must, do more to champion these alumnae once they enter the workforce. I’m confident that this funding will help support efforts to provide women in skilled trades apprenticeships with financial, social and academic support.”

Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College

“With every passing year during the past decade, we’ve seen a steady and encouraging — but still small — increase in the number of women entering our skilled trades programs and apprenticeships. We’re confident that this new funding, and the involvement of Unifor as a partner, will spur yet more women to explore these personally rewarding and financially lucrative careers.”

Patti France, President, St. Clair College

“I am thrilled to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal government for its invaluable financial contributions to our College and supporting the advancement of women in the Red Seal Skilled Trades Program. This generous backing is poised to play a pivotal role in dismantling barriers and promoting inclusivity within the traditionally male-dominated skilled trades sector. I am confident that this sponsorship will empower more women in our community to pursue and excel in Red Seal designated trades, thereby contributing to a more diverse and dynamic workforce within our province.”

Lucido Zuccato Dean, School of Engineering Technologies, Apprenticeship, and Skilled Trades Faculty for St. Clair College

“Fanshawe College is grateful for the generous resources made available by Employment and Social Development Canada. We are excited to advance our shared goals alongside Sheridan College, St. Clair College, Durham College, and Unifor, by co-constructing exploratory hands-on experiences that will enable women to unlock their potential in the skilled trades. Together, we will be able to ignite innovative opportunities aimed to inspire more women to make new connections, both with each other and with employers, across Ontario. We are excited to witness the impact this initiative will have on our local communities and workforce.”

Britney Hunter, Chair, Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Accelerator, Fanshawe College


    About Durham College
    With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

    DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.


    For more information, please contact:

    Lindsay Holley, Director, Communications
    Durham College
    905-926-7418


    Durham College applied research fueled through $2.1 million Mobilize funding grant

    Oshawa, ON – Durham College’s (DC) applied research centres will further their work in solving industry and social challenges through innovation and collaboration, thanks to a $2.1 million federal grant.

    The Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) received the funding from the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program’s Mobilize grant, which will be doled out over the next five years.

    Mobilize funding has a number of objectives, from growing research capacity to fostering inclusive work environments. ORSIE will use the grant to further increase research and innovation training opportunities for students.

    “This funding is critical. It anchors everything that we do in all of our applied research centres,” explained Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “It allows us to maintain a competitive edge. We’ve got expert staff and researchers, and companies know that we’re here to support them and we’re not going anywhere.”

    The CCI program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).  

    ORSIE’s applied research centres include the AI Hub, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, MRC Studio, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Social Impact Hub. Learn more at www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie. To learn more about ORSIE, read the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

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    About Durham College
    With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

    DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

    Media contact:
    Jason Chamberlain
    Communications Officer
    Durham College
    jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca


    Durham College is leading the way as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges

    Oshawa, Ont. – For a remarkable tenth time, Durham College (DC) has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc.

    DC placed 19th on the Top 50 list, up from 37th last year. That jump was powered by our tremendous 116.3% increase in year-over-year research income, proving that we’re leading the way in applied research. Among medium-sized colleges, DC secured second place for the number of paid student researchers, seventh for completed research projects, and eighth for research partnerships.

    DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) leads applied research initiatives and helps solve industry and social challenges with innovation and collaboration by engaging industry, faculty, students and the community-at-large in research projects to address the needs of a technology-driven knowledge economy. Notable research accomplishments for this year include:

    • Opening the Centre for Innovation and Research, which is now home to ORSIE and four of six applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and the Social Impact Hub, as well as the Institutional Research Team and the Experiential Learning Hub.
    • Receiving a Technology Access Centres (TAC) grant from the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. DC’s AI Hub will receive $350,000 per year over the next five years, creating new opportunities to enrich student training, support skills acquisition and launch new services.
    • Continuing to develop more creative and meaningful applied research projects and co-operative education work-terms for students in a growing number of host sites, supported in part through the Diane Blake Student Success Initiative.

    “This is an acknowledgement of the tremendous expertise that we have developed here in ORSIE across our research centres,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “It’s also a testament to the relationships that we’ve developed in the business community, the organizations that trust us to do this important work to help them to grow and innovate and be efficient and productive, all while supporting student learning.”

    To learn more about DC’s applied research centres, visit ORSIE online.

    To learn more about ORSIE, read the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

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    About Durham College

    With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

    DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

    To learn more about ORSIE, read the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

    Media Contact

    Lindsay Holley
    Director, Communications
    Lindsay.Holley@durhamcollege.ca