An accessible workspace in Red River College Polytechnic’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae offers students a chance to collaborate, create and explore new ideas using advanced technology.

The Red River College Students’ Association (RRCSA) Sandbox Zone is a multi-use area that encourages a collaborative approach to projects, small seminars and presentations. It gives students a safe space to work, while pushing them to be creative, strategic, adaptable and innovative problem solvers.

“The RRCSA Sandbox Zone was one of our favourite choices from the beginning when we started going over our donation options with the College. We made our choice very carefully, and I was very glad we chose this room,” said Avery Halldorson, RRCSA President and Business Administration student at RRC Polytech.

The main floor space is viewable from the public agora and is accessible for all students to work, research, and share ideas.

“It’s on the first floor, which we liked—we want the things we support to be accessible for all students. I hope students from all walks of life can come together and create something beautiful within the space,” she said.

The space will be outfitted with advanced technology for students and entrepreneurs to play, test and experiment with 3D printers, ultra-fast processors and secure networks. Entrepreneurs, industry professionals, businesses, government, educators and community members can dream, develop, test and implement solutions to their unique problems with the help of highly engaged RRC Polytech students and faculty.

“I’m really excited for the technology that’s going to be inside the Zone for students to use. It will be a very innovative space,” said Halldorson. “Together, students can make a difference, create new opportunities and help leave this world a better place than we found it. With everything going on in the world, RRC Polytech students can create something that will change the future,” she said.

The area will act as an extension to the highly successful ACE Project Space, where individual groups are steps away from mentors in the form of peers, faculty and industry partners during class time.

As both a student and RRCSA president, Halldorson appreciates RRC Polytech’s willingness to work with students and address their needs.

“Especially in the last two years, the College has done a really good job at listening to students and keeping students’ safety top of mind. With the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae opening, there are so many opportunities for students to grow and innovate today,” said Halldorson.

“The College is known for adapting to change and making those changes for the better, and constantly recognizing when they need to make improvements,” she added.

The RRCSA is one of the largest supporters of RRC Polytech, and it’s a relationship that Halldorson expects to continue for years to come.

“I hope RRC Polytech and the RRCSA can continue to offer opportunities for students heading into the workforce, allowing them to be ahead of the curve. Change is a big part of life and making sure the College can keep up with that change and teach students to be adaptable and go into the workforce with that knowledge is important,” she said.

The RRCSA, formed in 1963, acts primarily as an advocate for student concerns, publishes a student newspaper, and offers many different services, opportunities, support and activities for students throughout the school year.

In Front of What’s Ahead is a $60M comphrehensive campaign to help RRC Polytech make a difference in the lives of all Manitobans.