BIJ Report – Winter 2020

BIJ Report Summer 2020 By Ashley Hill, Manager, Business is Jammin’

Experience in Computer Science

In January, BIJ partnered with Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Computer Science to host BIJ’s Experience in Computer Science program. This initiative allowed students to dive into artificial intelligence software and create new computing technologies. Students were taught about different career streams and Dalhousie University waived admission and application fees for Grade 12 student participants.

“The program gave me the opportunity to get a hands-on experience with computer science, and programming. This experience helped me get a better understanding of the field, giving me a new perspective different from the stereotypes I have heard about computer science. No matter where I end up going in the future the new knowledge and skills are now ingrained in my mind, thanks to this opportunity with BIJ.” – Kaleb Vickers, Grade 12 CPA High School, HRCE.

TD Spark Mentorship

BIJ’s second cohort of the TD Spark Mentorship Program has been concluded. The program aims to create a networking, mentorship and leadership training platform for African Nova Scotian and Black youth. Mentees are matched with business professionals and they take part in monthly professional development sessions, learning invaluable skills like leadership, the art of networking, personal branding, resume building, interviewing, and so much more.

“I was fortunate to be matched with a mentor in my professional field. She has been nurturing, attentive, caring, and extremely helpful throughout. This program also provides a variety of workshops and presentations that I have found very helpful in rounding out my career skills and honing my soft skills. After participating in the TD Spark Mentorship Program, I now feel that I am well prepared to break into the work force. I would encourage other young adults to participate in this program and benefit from the wealth of expertise offered.” – Shani Rollins, 3D Artist

RBC iCode+ Sydney Academy BIJ joined forces with Brilliant Labs Nova Scotia and Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education to launch a new RBC iCode+ site at Sydney Academy High School in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This free after school program introduces coding, prototyping, microcontrollers, design thinking and 3D printing, giving youth the opportunity to create using technology.

Youth Summit In partnership with the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, we hosted the first NEXT UP 2020 Black Youth Leadership Summit during African Heritage Month. Youth learned how challenges can become opportunities to positively impact their communities. 80+ Black youth were engaged, nine HRCE schools participated, and ten community leaders led four different workshops. A huge thank you to our outstanding facilitators, volunteers, and Ryan Williams Photography (www. ryanwilliamsphotography.ca) for capturing the energy and excitement throughout the day.

Get Involved! www.BusinessisJammin.ca bijyouth@bbi.ns.ca