Durham College receives Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Public Outreach Grant Posted on September 7, 2012 at 12:44 pm. College to collaborate with The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department to measure impact of social services in the community September 7, 2012 Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College today announced that Randy Uyenaka, a professor with the School of Health & Community Services, has received a Public Outreach Grant (POG) valued at $25,060 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The grant is being given to conduct a research project in collaboration with The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department. The grant – given through the SSHRC’s Connection Program, which realizes the potential of social sciences and humanities research for intellectual, cultural, social and economic influence, benefit and impact – will enable the college and Region to bring together their respective staff members, and faculty and students from the Durham College School of Health & Community Services, to develop a new research agenda. The agenda will focus on measuring the impact of social services on residents, the local community and the economy. In addition, it will assist with the creation of methods to enhance service delivery and guide program planning, policy and future research. “Durham College has built a significant applied research presence in Durham Region over the last three years and this new grant, the college’s first SSHRC funding, clearly recognizes our commitment to conducting research designed to contribute to the economic well-being of our local community and well beyond,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, Durham College Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI). “On behalf of ORSI and the faculty, staff and students at Durham College who have made our fast-growing research agenda possible, I extend my sincere thanks to the SSHRC for this important financial support.” “Social services are important investments in the well-being of our residents, as well as our community and economy,” said Dr. Hugh Drouin, Commissioner of Social Services for The Regional Municipality of Durham. “This collaboration represents our commitment to working with our academic partners, in order to enhance vital services to residents of Durham through innovation and research. I would like to thank Durham College and the SSHRC for this important opportunity.” In total, $6.3 million has been awarded to 95 POG projects, under the SSHRC Connection Program, with the grants designed to encourage researchers to find effective ways to disseminate, transfer, exchange and synthesize research results to wider audiences such as policy-makers; organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors; students at all levels; and the general public. “Knowledge sharing among multisectoral partners is essential to innovation and to building the expertise needed for Canada’s future,” said Dr. Chad Gaffield, president, SSHRC. “These Public Outreach Grants enable the flow and exchange of knowledge across campuses and the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, which, in turn, produces benefits for Canadians.” About Durham College At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2011, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 8,400 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. About The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department is comprised of six divisions: Business Affairs and Financial Management, Children’s Services, Family Services, Housing Services, Income and Employment Support, and Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors. Providing vital services and programs to more than 25,000 Durham Region residents each month, the Social Services Department is committed to leadership, service excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation and research. The department is an award recipient and founding member with Excellence Canada. For more information, visit www.durham.ca or call 1.800.372.1102. For more information: Allison Rosnak Durham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca Jennifer Finlayson The Regional Municipality of Durham 905.668.7711 ext. 2240 jennifer.finlayson@durham.ca SHARE:
App Store
Google Play