In a significant move to empower Black students in the field of technology, Compugen Inc., Canada’s premier technology company, has donated a suite of state-of-the-art equipment to the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. The donation aims to enhance the Centre’s Collaborative Inquiry Room, providing students with the tools to explore and excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities.

The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, established in 2020, stands as a pioneering initiative in Canada’s public education system. It offers a culturally-affirming space where students, staff, and families collaborate to imagine better futures and forge new paths for student success.

Karen Murray, the TDSB’s System Superintendent of Equity, Anti-Racism, and Anti-Oppression, expressed her gratitude for the donation. “Access to cutting-edge technology is pivotal in leveling the playing field for Black students. This donation from Compugen not only enhances their learning experience but also opens up a world of possibilities in various tech-related fields,” Murray said.

Joe Simms, Compugen’s Senior Sales Director, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering educational equity. “We are proud to support the TDSB and the Centre’s mission by providing technology that can ignite a passion for IT among Black students. Our goal is to help amplify the Centre’s efforts in shaping the future of education and encouraging students to become not just consumers of technology but also its creators,” Simms stated.

The celebratory ribbon-cutting event on March 27, 2024 in Scarborough, showcased the newly equipped space, drawing attention from students, educators, community members, and dignitaries. The updated Collaborative Inquiry Room now features advanced technology, including virtual reality equipment and new media and design tools, enabling students to engage more deeply in STEAM activities.

Harry Zarek, CEO of Compugen, shared his personal journey in technology and the impact of early exposure to tech on his career. “The opportunity to explore technology at a young age was transformative for me. It’s thrilling to think that the students at the Centre will have similar opportunities to discover their passions and potentially shape the future of technology,” Zarek said.

The donation represents a significant step towards addressing the underrepresentation of Black individuals in the tech industry. By providing access to advanced technology, the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is equipping its students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and related fields.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, the importance of diverse perspectives and innovative thinking cannot be overstated. The students of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement are poised to become the next generation of tech leaders, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the TDSB and Compugen.

To learn more about the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, please visit: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/CEBSA

As Canada’s largest privately-owned and operated Technology Ally, Compugen helps organizations realize new possibilities by thinking bigger, reaching broader, and acting bolder. Visit www.compugen.com to start your technology journey.

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