The YMCA of Greater Toronto, Microsoft Canada, the City of Toronto, The Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Humber Students' Federation and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) have joined forces to open the new Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre at 1620 Albion Road in Rexdale. The Centre officially opened on July 3, 2007.

Located in the community of Jamestown, The Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre uses urban media arts programming as a vehicle to engage youth and facilitate the development of their skills and capacities so they can gain further access to employment, education and/or other training.

"A program like the Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre is needed…in any place where youth need an outlet to harness their creativity,” said Melodie Downey, Director, Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre.

The Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre is made possible by a Community Technology Skills (CTS) grant from Microsoft Canada, which is supplying funds, technology and a CTS curriculum. The YMCA of Greater Toronto will run the new Centre and also serve as the CTS grant recipient on behalf of the partnership. The Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is providing $25,000, digital arts expertise and an introductory digital arts curriculum; plus, an additional $25,000 is provided by the Humber Student Federation and both donations will continue to contribute over the next three years. The Toronto Community Housing Corporation is providing $25,000 in support.

The Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre aims to have 240 youth and 6 internship/co-op students participate in the program in its first fiscal year, June 2007 to May 2008.

By partnering to create the Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre, the YMCA is strengthening its connections with its community partners while reaching out to youth — providing access to the technology and skills they need to succeed in today’s world.

For more information about the centre please contact Melodie Downey (647) 426-1364 or melodie.downey@ymcagta.org.