Grant received from NSERC
Mississauga, ON, October 14, 2022
Volunteer MBC (Volunteer Mississauga Brampton Caledon), in partnership with Sheridan College, has received a grant from the Natural Sciences Engineering and Research Council of Canada (NSERC), that will provide Black and Indigenous youth with more community engagement opportunities.
With the goal of reimagining and creating chances to improve their civic engagement, this initiative will put the voices of Black and Indigenous young people at the centre.
With the use of case studies, best practices, and useful tools, the research will mobilize the knowledge of community connections held by Black and Indigenous young people to create programs in the non-profit sector and elsewhere that are welcome and affirming.
“We are excited to collaborate with Sheridan College because the mental health impact of the pandemic cannot be understated. Even more so for Black and Indigenous young people. While Volunteer MBC’s Community Engagement programs for youth focus on removing barriers to engage in purposeful community service that improves their health, well-being, skills, employability, and community belonging, it is vital for us to really understand their needs and issues to better serve them,” said Carine Strong, Executive Director.
As the local volunteer centre, Volunteer MBC will be engaging youth participants to understand and advance leadership and volunteer opportunities for themselves. “We have a commitment to inclusion, and now thanks to Sheridan’s leadership on this project, we will have a meaningful way to serve Black and Indigenous youth in Peel,” added Strong. Volunteer MBC’s role will also build connections between the local not-for-profit organizations partnering on the project.
“The pandemic has shown us that investing in health promotion, mental health, and community engagement is key. Sheridan College is making significant contributions to the research and innovation ecosystem in Brampton and beyond. I’m thrilled that they, alongside other community partners, are receiving federal funding through NSERC. These projects will make a real difference in the lives of many in our communities,” said Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South.
In partnering with such institutions such as Sheridan College, Volunteer MBC continues to show its commitment to driving real change for Black and Indigenous young people. Only through positive action can such ones feel empowered to become leaders in their communities.
