Ottawa Community Social Innovation Student Fund
The Ottawa Community Social Innovation Student Fund supports students in Algonquin College’s Social Innovation Lab. The lab hires teams of students at a living wage from the School of Advanced Technology and Media and Design to provide pro bono digital technology support to local social enterprises and non-profits.
Organizations in our community who help make this such a kind and caring community receive access to digital technology support to address their respective social missions. Students gain employment at a living wage and real-world experiences in their chosen field of work.
The Fund provides students like Paula Lucia Morella with the opportunity to gain real world, meaningful experiences, and empower our communities through student creativity and technological knowledge.
Paula is studying Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Centered Design. Her project at the Social Innovation Lab is advancing new student-led social enterprises on campus. With a multidisciplinary background in public policy, illustration, and design research, she is passionate about creating solutions that foster community belonging.
Learners can use their skills and talent in their chosen field to work towards bridging the technological gap that often exists in social sector organizations. These projects allow students to take initiative in effectively supporting their communities and provide a new perspective on what can be done to further adapt to an ever-changing environment.
“The Social Innovation Lab was our intentional response to a call for action for education institutions to build social infrastructure. It was built on the profound desire to impact positive change in our community and our institution,” says Kevin Holmes, Managing Director, Social Innovation Lab.
The Lab would like to acknowledge the leadership and support of Chris Braeuel in establishing this innovative fund and his ongoing commitment to our community and to Russ Salo for his recent generous support of the Social Innovation Lab and its students.
The fund is now accepting additional donations to ensure the growth and long-term sustainability of the fund and to allow the lab to continue to support amazing organizations in our community who help make this such a kind and caring community.