Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is leading the way in applied research, and has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. for the ninth time.

The college secured first place among medium-sized colleges in the percentage of social sciences funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) over a three-year period, and second place among medium-sized colleges for the number of paid student researchers. 

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), facilitates applied research initiatives at the college and helps solve industry and social challenges with innovation and collaboration. Notable research accomplishments for this year include:

• Winning bronze at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) World Congress for DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, elevating the college’s ongoing commitment to applied research and cybersecurity on the international stage.
• Securing $4.2 million of shared research funding dedicated to COVID-19 recovery that helped boost the economy post-pandemic while working collaboratively with industry partners.
• Hosting an interactive gaming event at the Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio to celebrate applied research success and student talent.

“I have immense pride in the exceptional researchers and research administrators here at DC that have helped us achieve this honour once again,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “This national recognition validates and propels our work as we continue to enhance our services, deepen our connections with the community, forge new partnerships with other colleges, and prioritize the student experience with real-world learning opportunities.”

All five of the college’s research centres – The MRC Studio, AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, and Social Impact Hub – continue to grow and strengthen their relationships with industry partners and organizations. By engaging industry experts, faculty, students, and the community in research projects, DC continues to be a leading post-secondary institution that prioritizes collaboration, innovation and research.

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE 
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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.  

MEDIA CONTACT
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. –  Durham College (DC) is welcoming a transformational $500,000 gift from the Canerector Foundation that will provide scholarships to as many as 100 students enrolled across Durham College’s 13 skilled trades programs each academic year, over the next five years and support the expansion and revitalization of our skilled trades facilities on the Whitby campus.

Colleges Ontario forecasts that by 2030, Ontario will face a skilled labour shortage of more than 500,000 workers. The Canerector Foundation Scholarships in Skilled Trades and funding towards expanding and enhancing DC’s new Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology will help to make room for and attract more students to careers in the skilled trades.

“We are pleased to announce the Canerector Foundation’s donation to Durham College for skilled trades scholarships and expansion of shops, labs and classrooms,” said Amanda Hawkins, director of the Canerector Foundation. “By investing in students and state-of-the-art learning facilities, we hope to encourage students to pursue these rewarding careers in the skilled trades that are needed in our economy and our communities.”

“Durham College is extremely grateful for the Canerector Foundation’s support,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “This generous gift will help DC make great strides to train more construction and industrial tradespersons to help fill the skilled trades talent gap.”

Applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person/refugee who are registered as full-time students entering the first year of an eligible trade program of study. Scholars who participate in mentorship and/or co-curricular activities and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average will be awarded additional funds throughout their education up to a maximum of $4,000.

Durham College will identify recipients for the Canerector Scholarships in the Skilled Trades during the winter 2023 semester.

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE 
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Lindsay Cochrane
Office of Development and Alumni Affairs
lindsay.cochrane@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – More than 800 Grade 4 to 8 students from across the province gathered at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre to put their engineering skills and LEGO-based robots to the test during the 2023 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Ontario East and West Provincial Championships, this past weekend.

In preparation for the challenge, 76 student teams – guided by adult coaches – designed, built and programmed their robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS and LEGO SPIKE Prime technology. At the event, each team’s robot competed for the championship title by navigating a themed playing field and completing assigned missions and tasks.

As one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and repeat gold level FLL sponsor, Durham College was the perfect location for this year’s SUPERPOWERED challenge theme, which encouraged participants to think creatively and critically to research and develop innovative solutions that improve the ways in which energy is captured, stored, distributed and used. These concepts connect directly to DC’s programs, initiatives and values.

“Durham College is leading the way in sustainability, which is why I’m so excited to see you use your imagination and innovative problem-solving skills to address real-world issues that directly impact our communities,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic, Durham College, during Saturday’s opening ceremony. “As you work together today, remember that the skills you’re developing, as well as your curiosity and drive to succeed, are the building blocks for future learning and exploration in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the trades.”

With its geothermal field and Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), the ongoing transformation of DC’s energy infrastructure is one of the many ways the college is prioritizing its green initiatives to ensure this young generation of renewable energy experts have access to state-of-the-art facilities to support their educational journey.

At the end of the fun-filled and challenging weekend, team Équipe Francobotique from the Association des francophones de la région de York placed first in the East division, qualifying them to compete in an international competition, and team GreenR Bots from the Halton STEM Club placed first in the West division, securing them a spot at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge World Festival, held in Houston, Texas, in April.

More information about FIRST LEGO League is available online.

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE 
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Nominations for 2023 Alumni of Distinction award now open

Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) is now accepting nominations for its Alumni of Distinction award, which recognizes graduates who make extraordinary contributions to society while also achieving career success.

Numbering over 100,000, DC’s alumni are leading the way at home and abroad. Since 1990, over 100 of them have received the Alumni of Distinction honour. Recipients of the award 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.

“We are proud of our alumni, who have used their DC education as a springboard to great success in their lives and careers,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Recognizing our incredible alumni through these awards provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments which helps inspire the next generation of DC alumni leaders.” 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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.

Media contact:
Jason Chamberlain
Communications and Marketing
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca

Continuing its tradition of excellence and commitment to employee feedback and family-friendly policies

Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) is proud to be named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2023 marking the 12th time the college has received this honour.

“We are grateful to be recognized once again as a Greater Toronto Top Employer, which confirms what we already know: that DC is an exceptional place to work and learn,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “Our success is a true testament to the dedication, innovation and expertise of our employees who continue to lead the way across all departments and Faculties, resulting in a unique and transformative education and college experience for our students.”

Among many reasons for selection as a Top Employer, DC was recognized for its commitment to receiving employee feedback and ideas. Employee testimonials were also featured throughout the application, showcasing the college’s collaborative sense of community.

This year’s application also highlighted some of the amazing initiatives underway at DC. From launching the Social Impact Hub, the Centre for Organic Regeneration and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture, to opening campus facilities like the Ontario Power Generation Centre Skilled Trades and Technology, DC and its employees truly are leading the way.

The selection committee acknowledged DC for its:

• Diversity and inclusion – A number of initiatives, including a college-wide census, providing learning experiences that embrace the Indigenous ways of knowing and acknowledge the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and supporting the Black North Initiative, are among the work designed to support and encourage diversity across DC.
• Family-friendly policies and excellent maternity and parental leave benefits, which include paid leave for mothers, 35 weeks of paid leave for partners and adoptive parents, and 93 per cent salary top-up benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents.
• Defined benefit pension plan with employer-matched contributions.
• Retirement planning assistance and maintained connections through the Retiree Association.

More information can be found on DC’s Greater Toronto Top Employers profile.

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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.

Media contact:
Jessica Rivers
Senior Communications Officer
Durham College
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Five video games were showcased at Durham College (DC) on Friday during the MRC Arcade, an interactive event which provided insight into the projects DC’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio produces with local game designers, students, researchers and industry experts.

“Durham College is leading the way in the Canadian gaming industry while setting students up for success,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The MRC Studio has hired dozens of students for more than 40 industry projects, which means students get to work directly with our industry partners. This hands-on learning and early introduction to real-life industry scenarios offer a unique advantage to our grads when the time comes to enter the workforce.”

The MRC Studio offers organizations access to technical expertise and state-of-the-art gaming equipment and technology to create solutions that increase productivity and growth, while placing the student experience at the forefront of it all.

“Qualified individuals with leading-edge expertise are in high demand and short supply, which is why Interactive Ontario is proud to support Durham College and the MRC Studio,” said Lucie Lalumière, president and CEO, Interactive Ontario. “The MRC Studio is a trailblazer in its approach to developing talent. It works hand-in-hand with industry on real-life games and immersive applications and in doing so, develops the talent we need to succeed and compete on the global stage. Thank you, Durham College, for being visionary!”

DC’s expertise and co-development of the five games shared during MRC Arcade are proof of the amazing collaboration between DC students, researchers and industry partners. As one of five applied research centers at the college, the MRC Studio diversifies the college’s applied research offerings and capabilities, blending the physical and online worlds to explore human interaction within the virtual space.

“Since its launch in 2020, the MRC Studio has helped numerous clients build and improve their games by providing access to new technologies and applied research they otherwise would not be able to access or afford to enhance their product,” said Ryan Miller, project manager of the MRC Studio, Durham College. “Offerings such as improved graphics, processes and access to new technologies are provided to our clients, translating into games such as the ones showcased at MRC Arcade.”

The MRC Studio is home to one of only three Captury Live motion capture systems in Canada, offering students unique experiential learning opportunities to boost their future employability.

“The MRC Studio has been an incredible opportunity to get real work experience with exactly the kinds of projects that I want to work on as a future career,” said Zoe Straw, third-year Computer Programming and Analysis student at Durham College. “I know that thanks to this experience I’m going to be able to flesh out my portfolio and give myself the absolute best start to my career possible. I’ll graduate with a year of experience in the gaming industry and several credits to my name before I even receive my diploma.”

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE 
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Rivers
Communications and Marketing
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca

Programs in health, IT, social and community services will help support labour shortages in key sectors

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is leading the way by offering several new programs in September 2023 to prepare career-ready graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the community and employers in key sectors experiencing labour shortages.

“The next generation of graduates are entering a unique workforce, one that has identified major skills gaps across a number of industries,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “Durham College is thrilled to offer students a variety of new programs that will cater to their interests, lead the way toward an exciting future as qualified graduates and positively respond to the growing needs within our labour markets.”

In addition to two new degree programs announced earlier this fall – the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree and Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health degree – DC has received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer the following diploma and certificate programs, beginning in September 2023:

• Cloud Computing (graduate certificate)
  Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
  This is one of the fastest-growing fields in IT and graduates will be able to capitalize on the increasing demand from IT organizations for new professionals to help them secure and manage their cloud infrastructure. This program emphasizes leadership in designing, implementing and deploying services in the cloud by utilizing cloud computing privacy, legal principles and methodology to meet organizational requirements and business goals.

• Fire Prevention and Technology (advanced diploma)
  Faculty of Social & Community Services
  As the science and art of fire protection and prevention continue to evolve, so does the need for experts in all areas of the fire and life safety industry. Utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and current industry software, students will gain the practical and theoretical skills to enforce the fire code, along with planning, designing, installing and maintaining current and leading-edge fire protection equipment.

• Internet of Things (IoT) (graduate certificate)
  Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
  The quickly-advancing industry of smart cities, home automation, wearable tech and more requires skilled programmers, developers and technicians. In the relaunched Internet of Things program, students will explore security and surveillance cameras attached to devices, their technologies, architectures, resources, data management, strategies, and security and privacy issues. They will also gain the knowledge and skills needed for a variety of in-demand career options.

• Recreation Therapy (diploma)
  Faculty of Health Sciences
  Recreation therapy is a rewarding career providing meaningful and healthy leisure activities that improve the quality of life for people of all abilities and ages. Certified recreation therapists offer a range of services, including the assessment of client needs, development of programs, goal-setting, group facilitation and evaluation of interventions. Students will develop proficiency in various health disciplines to support the delivery of person-centred recreation programs.

DC’s diverse range of program offerings reinforces its commitment to transformative education and experiential learning, leading the way to a bright future for tomorrow’s professionals.

Learn more about these new programs online.

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE 
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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. 

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Rotary Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to four of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and Social Impact Hub. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering education. 

At DC’s Whitby campus, the new 60,000-square-foot Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology shines a spotlight on industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, and includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which is home to the award-winning full-service restaurant, Bistro ’67; retail store, Pantry, featuring food grown and prepared by students; and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and its community-inspired urban farm.  

MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Rivers
Communications and Marketing
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca

Program will help address increasing need for accessible, affordable legal representation 

Oshawa, Ont. – As the scope of paralegals’ role has increased, so has the demand for their skills within the community. Durham College (DC) is proud to launch a new Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree – one of only two four-year degree programs of its kind in Ontario – to improve access to affordable legal representation and expertise.

The program will prepare students with the legal context they need as well as the cultural competency lens to provide legal services to a wide range of diverse populations including immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, women and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+. To best serve their future clients, students will gain an in-depth understanding of human rights claims, disability applications, Immigration and Refugee Board hearings, criminal code offences involving those who have experienced inter-generational trauma and applications involving mental health, housing and financial stability issues.

“We’re providing advanced programs like the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal because we understand the needs of our growing community,” says Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “By combining in-depth classroom learning with an experiential field placement, graduates of this degree program will have the tools they need to be future leaders in the legal sector.”

Graduates of the program will be prepared to provide legal services under the supervision of a lawyer or a licensed paralegal and are also eligible to apply to become Licensed Paralegals themselves through the Law Society of Ontario. Licensed Paralegals can independently represent their clients before various courts and tribunals within their regulated scope of legal practice. They also have the ability to continue their education by applying to law school or graduate studies.

“The paralegal profession has grown in complexity in recent years, which is why Durham College is excited to launch the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal program,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “The student experience and the impact graduates’ expertise has on members of the community are at the forefront of program development. The Honours Bachelor of Paralegal program will develop confident graduates who are well equipped to advance in the legal field.”

For more information about the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal, including registration details for next fall, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/hbpl.

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 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. 

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Rotary Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to four of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and Social Impact Hub. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering education. 

At DC’s Whitby campus, the new 60,000-square-foot Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology shines a spotlight on industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, and includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which is home to the award-winning full-service restaurant, Bistro ’67; retail store, Pantry, featuring food grown and prepared by students; and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and its community-inspired urban farm.  

MEDIA CONTACT

Jessica Rivers
Communications + Marketing
Durham College
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Graduates from eight faculties, including the first cohorts from the new Pharmaceutical Science and Environmental Health and Safety Management programs, received their post-secondary credentials during Fall Convocation on October 27. Family, friends, Durham College (DC) employees and a guest speaker celebrated graduates at the Tribute Communities Centre, acknowledging their achievements and instilling words of encouragement and inspiration throughout two ceremonies.

“As the class of 2022 embarks on their new future, we are just as proud and excited as they are” said Dr. Elaine Popp, Executive Vice-President, Academic. “We know they have developed the skills and hands-on expertise to surpass their goals. We wish them all the best as they begin their careers and we look forward to seeing the types of leaders they grow into.”

Alumnus Thao Nghiem, a 2018 graduate of DC’s Music Business Administration program addressed the graduating class. Thao is the co-director of the Oshawa Music Awards (OMAs) and co-founder of the Vietnam Music Industry Network (VMIN). Combining a passion for business with her dedication to celebrating music and talent, Thao has spent the last five years making meaningful connections on campus at DC and in the community.

In her remarks to the graduates, she encouraged them to challenge themselves by starting something new, being of service to others, making mistakes, learning to love themselves, and striving to impact the lives of others.

“It was an absolute honour to be the guest speaker at Durham College’s 2022 Fall Convocation.” said Thao Nghiem. “Not too long ago I was sitting in the exact same place as our grads, wondering what life would be like as I embarked on my post-DC journey. “I am grateful for the experience I gained at DC and the opportunity to give back to the school and now, my fellow alumni.”

A total of 1,779 graduates from the Faculties of Business; Hospitality & Horticulture; Media, Art & Design; Science, Engineering & Information Technology; Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship; Health Sciences; Liberal Studies; Social & Community Services; and Professional & Part-time Learning received their diplomas and certificates this fall.

For more information about Fall Convocation, including links to videos of each ceremony, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

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ABOUT DURHAM COLLEGE
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including four 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. 

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Rotary Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to four of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and Social Impact Hub. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering education. 

At DC’s Whitby campus, the new 60,000-square-foot Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology shines a spotlight on industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, and includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which is home to the award-winning full-service restaurant, Bistro ’67; retail store, Pantry, featuring food grown and prepared by students; and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and its community-inspired urban farm.  

MEDIA CONTACT

Carmen Doucette
Communications + Marketing
Durham College
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – On October 25 and 26, girls from regional school boards participated in the Expand the Possibilities 4.0: Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference (YWSTT) hosted by Durham College (DC). The on-campus event, in its fourth year, featured a series of interactive activities designed to foster a sense of curiosity in science, technology and skilled trades and connect Grade 7 and 8 girls to career opportunities in these fields.

To kick off each day of the conference, students heard from tech start-up founder and CEO Jessica Lui and HGTV home renovation expert Kate Campbell, before participating in several hands-on workshops at DC’s state-of-the-art facilities and learning spaces.  

“Women make up only 23 per cent of Canadians employed in science and technology, according to Statistics Canada,” says Bonnie St. George, associate vice president, Academic Administration. “As a post-secondary institution leading the way in science, technology and skilled trades, DC is uniquely positioned to help students surpass any gender barriers to entry in their chosen profession. We hope the conference helps these girls feel encouraged and inspired to pursue a career in a field they might not have considered.”

Students participated in a number of hands-on workshops including science and technology-themed activities, such as building a robot, investigating pond water under a microscope, and studying candy chromatography, the process of separating colours from candy using science. The event also featured a number of skilled trades learning opportunities, such as plumbing, welding and carpentry.

The event garnered praise from attendees, including Mikayla, a student at Monsignor J. Pereyma Catholic School in Oshawa.

“Kate [Campbell] really inspired me today,” said Mikayla. “After hearing about how she grew up playing baseball around boys who would put her down and how her family supported her choices to do what she wanted to do, I think that would motivate other girls and break the stereotype that girls can’t do sports. Girls can do anything boys can do.”

This event was possible because of the generous support of community partners: Ontario Power Generation, Aecon, Black & McDonald, Elexicon Energy, Enercare, Gerdau, RESCON and Safran Landing Systems.

More information about YWSTT is available online.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,500 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including four 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.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Rotary Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to four of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and Social Impact Hub. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering education.

At DC’s Whitby campus, the new 60,000-square-foot Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology shines a spotlight on industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, and includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which is home to the award-winning full-service restaurant, Bistro ’67; retail store, Pantry, featuring food grown and prepared by students; and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and its community-inspired urban farm.

Media contact:

Jessica Rivers
Communications Officer
Communications + Marketing
Durham College
jessica.rivers@durhamcollege.ca