A cohort of Pathway to Information Technology Programs students at RRC Polytech were gifted $50,000 worth of state-of-the-art laptops from tech giant Lenovo, preparing them to innovate and succeed in IT roles across the province.

“This partnership with Lenovo not only provides students with laptops, it’s also another way barriers to education are removed,” says Fred Meier, RRC Polytech’s President and CEO. “This gift enhances the student experience and provides access to technology that meets the needs of industry and allows students to be successful in achieving their educational goals.”

The College’s Pathway programs are designed to equip Indigenous Manitobans with the support and skills needed to confidently transition into specific RRC Polytech programs. Created in partnership with RBC Future Launch, Pathway to Information Technology Programs prepares and empowers students to enrol in RRC Polytech’s IT Operations, Information Security and Business Information Technology programs.

“Our vision is to help create a world where every person has access to the technology that allows them to achieve their goals,” says Libby Richards, Lenovo’s Community Engagement Manager. “Connecting students with technology is crucial in innovation and moving society forward. This program aligns with our goals and provides students with the foundational knowledge to be successful in the rapidly growing field of IT.”

Pathway to Information Technology Programs requires students to have access to a computer with certain memory and speed requirements; those who don’t already have access are provided with options to rent a computer from the College.

At the start of the program’s first semester, Lenovo provided all students with new ThinkBook 15 Gen4 laptops, which they will be able to keep even after they’ve completed their studies.

Earlier today, representatives from Lenovo were able to tour Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and meet with students from the program.

“It’s clear to see why these students selected this program,” says Warren Beleyowski, Client Executive, MB/SK Public Sector for Lenovo Canada. “Providing them with laptops was an easy decision, as these students are going to be the ones who are meeting the ever-changing needs of tomorrow.”