[RICHMOND HILL, ON] June 07, 2024 — Compugen Inc., the nation's largest privately-owned and operated Technology Ally, is proud to announce a significant philanthropic effort to support the educational advancement of Fort Chipewyan (Ft. Chip), a remote Indigenous community in Northern Alberta.
Compugen has provided a state-of-the-art Microsoft Surface Hub to Ft. Chip. This donation includes everything from advanced hardware to comprehensive services,ensuring proper configuration, deployment, and end-user training. This initiative reflects Compugen’s is commitment to enhancing the educational experience and learning outcomes for students within this remote community. "Compugen is dedicated to ensuring that every student — no matter where they live — has access to quality education," says Jason Fris, Senior Director of Software at Compugen. "With these advanced tools, we are not only enhancing learning opportunities but also empowering the community of Ft. Chip to turn their geographical challenge into a technological opportunity. And Compugen is proud to facilitate that."
Accessible solely by boat or aircraft in summer and ice road or aircraft in winter, Ft. Chip is challenging to reach, making it difficult to bring in teachers. However, with Compugen’s contribution of Microsoft Surface Hubs, virtual remote teaching becomes possible, connecting educators globally with students, eliminating the need for physical travel.
"We are incredibly grateful for Compugen's donation, as it aligns with our primary objective of ensuring the best education for all students," says Dean Bernard, Division Principal at Athabasca Delta Community School in Fort Chipewyan. “This technology allows us to connect with more students, support their desire for unique courses, and provide the essential support every child needs to thrive."
Through this donation — and utilizing the new functionality provided through Surface Hub and Microsoft Teams — Compugen is transforming Ft. Chip's ability to deliver education. Students in this remote northern Indigenous community will now have access to a wide range of instructors and educational programs from universities across Canada. The Surface Hub's ability to rotate into portrait mode transforms the virtual teaching experience by presenting instructors at full height, creating the illusion that they are physically present in the classroom with the students.
Through delivery of virtual learning on a Surface Hub, Ft. Chip schools will be able to better utilize Alberta Education’s Dual Credit program. This program is an initiative that allows students in remote communities to gain valuable skills and credentials that can enhance their employability and career prospects. By earning both high school credits and credits towards a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, including a journeyperson certificate, students can access more opportunities and pathways for their future. This program is authorized and funded by Alberta Education and aims to provide students with the opportunity to get a head start on their post-secondary education while still in high school. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make learning more accessible and beneficial for students in remote areas.
Compugen's commitment to educational equity is further demonstrated by their recent donation to Sun Youth in Montreal. Like the Ft. Chip project, this initiative provided Microsoft Surface Hubs to support tutoring and mentorship programs for underprivileged children. Both donations highlight Compugen's dedication to bridging educational gaps and fostering inclusivity through technology.
This donation will not only help improve academic outcomes but also foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Overall, Compugen’s efforts will expand the impact of Ft. Chip's educational programs, helping more children achieve their full potential.
"Our commitment to being human-centered and technology-enabled drives us to make a difference in various sectors,” adds Jason. “The application of these technologies is almost limitless, benefiting not just education but potentially any industry. At Compugen, we dream, design, and deliver solutions that unlock new possibilities for all.”
For more information about Compugen Inc., and its innovative IT solutions and services, please visit www.compugen.com.
About Compugen Inc.
As Canada’s largest privately-owned and operated Technology Ally, Compugen helps organizations realize new possibilities. To innovate industries, transform businesses, connect communities, and drive meaningful change, we must think bigger, reach broader, and act bolder. Through knowledge, curiosity, and collaboration, Compugen delivers experiences by design. This is what it means to be human-centered and technology-enabled. Visit www.compugen.com to start your technology journey with us.