At a priority school in Moncton, children in grades three to five now get to build their digital literacy skills through activities like learning code through walking, talking robots; creating and exploring digital worlds and much more all while forming lasting connections with mentors from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC).
The Promise Partnership, part of UNB's Integrated Health Initiative (IHI), has expanded its reach to Moncton, thanks to support from the McKenna Institute, and donors like the Wes Armour Foundation.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in the program's mission to bridge educational gaps and enhance digital literacy among youth throughout the province.
Since 2010, the Promise Partnership has been dedicated to supporting youth in Saint John by pairing UNB student mentors with students from priority schools around the city.
The program addresses educational disparities caused by economic challenges while providing post-secondary students with opportunities for skill development and community engagement.
In 2023, a comprehensive needs assessment identified communities in the greater Moncton area with low socio-economic demographics, significant academic needs and digital literacy gaps that would benefit from involvement with the Promise Partnership.
Research confirmed that a considerable number of Moncton youth face challenges associated with living in low-income households, like limited access to technology at home and mental health concerns.
These findings, and the proximity to UNB's Moncton-based nursing program and NBCC, with whom the Promise Partnership has formed strong relationships, guided the decision to partner with Birchmount School.
Madison Bell is the Promise Partnership's Moncton program expansion coordinator. Having previously worked with the nursing program at UNB's Moncton site, she is thrilled to continue supporting the program by offering students hands-on experiential learning opportunities.
"It is incredibly exciting to bring the Promise Partnership to Moncton," Bell said. "We have seen such positive impacts in Saint John. I am confident we will experience success here, addressing the unique needs in the Moncton area."
"The community has been so welcoming and the students are eager to learn and engage."
Bell has been instrumental in developing relationships with Birchmount School staff and students. She noted Sandra Savard, principal at Birchmount School, has been very supportive of the partnership.
"The enthusiasm from the school and the kids is contagious," Bell said. "We are not just teaching digital skills; we are building confidence and fostering a love for learning."
The program offers after-school digital literacy mentorship for grades three to five, with hands-on activities like coding, 3D printing and robotics. It also offers culturally sensitive snacks aimed at fostering food security and building community.
"It is so rewarding to see the students' faces light up when they find an activity that speaks to them, whether it's interacting with a robot for the first time or discovering a fun and engaging online game that teaches them how to code."
The Promise Partnership's collaboration with NBCC and UNB nursing has been vital in placing post-secondary student mentors.
Bell says the connections youth and mentors build can leave a lasting impression.
For some student-mentors in Saint John where there is a waiting list to become a Promise Partnership mentor engaging in the program changed the course of their studies.
"In Moncton, we are looking for enthusiastic post-secondary students who are passionate about youth and community engagement," Bell said. "Students from NBCC, UNB and other local institutions can volunteer as mentors. We provide training and support to ensure all our mentors are well-prepared."
"It is a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills, gain volunteer hours and make a positive impact on the community."
The Honourable Frank McKenna, PC, OC, ONB, KC, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion.
"The Promise Partnership's efforts in boosting digital literacy are vital for the future of our young people. By extending its reach to Moncton, we are making sure that more students in New Brunswick gain the essential skills they need to thrive in a digital world from an early stage."
UNB's provost and vice-president academic, Dr. Petra Hauf, also highlighted the program's importance.
"The expansion to Moncton builds on 15 years of success with our Saint John program. This is a thrilling time for UNB as we grow this impactful initiative, equipping youth across the province with the skills and opportunities they need for a bright future."
Back in Saint John, the Promise Partnership team, led by Catherine Vanderburgh Kerr, managing director and Kate Saeedi, curriculum developer, are driving the development of a digital literacy assessment tool informed by extensive research and collaboration with experts like Dr. Matt McGuire, the inaugural McKenna Fellow in Digital Education, and a UNB faculty of education assistant professor.
"We are grateful for the support of the McKenna Institute and other key stakeholders who like us, believe in the power of Promise to change lives for the better," said Vanderburgh Kerr.
"Our expansion into Moncton represents a significant step forward in closing educational gaps and supporting digital literacy programming for youth across New Brunswick."