Toronto, Ontario - A $5 million donation from The Barrett Family Foundation means that future Humber students will have a greater chance to pursue a college education in technology-related fields. The largest donation to the college to date will also benefit students by laying the foundation for a dedicated technology and innovation centre.
“The college, our Board of Governors and our students are grateful to The Barrett Family Foundation. Their generous donation will help Humber in two ways. First, it will give more students access to college and the opportunity to study in technology-based programs that will prepare them for tomorrow’s workforce. And, secondly, the donation provides initial funding for the next generation of technology and innovation learning facilities,” said Chris Whitaker, president, Humber College.
The donation will be made over three years. $1 million of the donation will be used to create an Access to Education and Skills Training fund that will be used towards tuition and entrance scholarships, awards and grants for students seeking continuing education or skills upgrading.
The other $4 million will begin the creation of a new centre focused on technology-based training designed to fuel innovation, collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurial skills. Key features being planned include an interactive demonstration floor, a mobile technology lab, collaborative learning spaces, a skills training hub to house maker spaces and skills competitions and facilities for applied research and development in technology and engineering.
“Working with Humber is a natural fit. Our organizations have many shared values and we’re both committed to providing students with an education that will lead to meaningful jobs. We fully support Humber’s vision and look forward to enhancing students’ experience and interaction with technology,” said Robert (Bob) Barrett, President and CEO of Polytainers Inc. and co-founder of The Barrett Family Foundation.
The Foundation, established by Barrett and his wife Francine, supports a broad range of causes, including education, environment, humanitarian efforts, health and the arts.
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About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Established in 1967, Humber is one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions. Committed to student success through excellence in teaching and learning, Humber serves 29,200 full-time students and 23,000 part time and continuing education students. With an internationally recognized reputation for quality learning, Humber offers a wide-range of career-focused opportunities for students to personalize their educational path, including 160 full-time programs across more than 40 fields of study, 200 part-time and 800 online programs or courses. More than four out of five of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca
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Sara Laux Nadia Araujo
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416.675.6622 ex. 5778/289-775-4980 (cell) 416-675-6622 ex. 5479
sara.laux@humber.ca nadia.araujo@humber.ca