Recently I had the pleasure of participating in a launch event to announce that ProTech is expanding to three additional neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area.

It was incredible - a packed room filled with members of the community, government stakeholders, media and, most importantly, local youth. The best part was seeing how eager the youth were. They couldn't wait to get their hands on the technology and explore, create and learn.

Today's youth are natural collaborators who push the boundaries of how we share and experience our lives. They're also incredible innovators, using technology to change the way we interact with each other. 

I sat beside one young lady who showed me some of her recent work. She told me that even though the centre had only been open for a couple of weeks, she'd already stacked her calendar with a number of varied workshops - web design, digital editing and lessons in business productivity tools. She's endlessly enthusiastic.

That's why expanding ProTech is so rewarding. More youth will be exposed to technology and education. Hopefully this program inspires some to think long-term about their future and education. Maybe some will decide on pursuing a career in the technology industry.

This initiative would not have been this successful if we didn't have amazing partners joining us on this journey - Mayor David Miller and the City of Toronto, Tropicana Community Services, Centennial College, Toronto Public Library and Renewed Computer Technologies continue to help us move ProTech in a great direction.

You can read more about our other partnerships with the public sector here and here and read about Melodie Downey who has been leading our first ProTech in Rexdale. You can also find additional information at Microsoft Canada's News Room. 

Below is a video from the ProTech launch event on August 10, 2009:

 More photos from the Kennedy-Eglinton ProTech Media Centre Launch:

(Left to Right: Ann Buller, President, Centennial College; Eric Gales, President, Microsoft Canada; Jason Sinclair, local youth; Mayor David Miller, City of Toronto; Jane Pyper, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library; Sharon Shelton, Executive Director, Tropicana Community Services)

Eric Gales, President, Microsoft Canada watches a demonstration by local youth at Kennedy-Eglinton ProTech Media Centre in Toronto

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