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State-of-the-art technology to develop the skills of Kingston’s youth
The BGC (Boys and Girls Club) South East, located in Kingston, Ontario, offers multiple programs and services for children and youth in their community. Among them is their computer lab, which has been updated thanks to the contribution of the ITI Foundation and Lenovo.
This community computer lab is part of a 9,000 sq. ft. advanced technology facility, one of Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) centres for youth. Their programs are led by a dedicated team of highly qualified professionals with expertise in engineering, education, and business. However, the computers in this lab could no longer effectively support programming and design software. This is where the ITI Foundation and Lenovo were put to work: in the fall of 2025, 15 fully equipped computers capable of supporting the ambitions of young people were provided and installed, free of charge.
The computer lab is fully integrated into the STEM & Robotics Centre’s planning, which includes weekly programs for youth ages 7 to 18, such as:
• Coding,
• Videogame development using Python,
• Minecraft education,
• Engineering art,
• Animation,
• 3D design,
• Digital fabrication,
• Robotic simulations and
• CAD software.
Programs also include field trips, after-school and evening activities, as well as daytime access for seniors, which has led to intergenerational volunteering. For the fall semester, the programs were 98% full, proof that expectations were real.
This donation has responded to the growing demand from children and young people who want to learn exciting and future-ready skills. Our space allows them to develop important skills for a rapidly changing world while also building communication and teamwork skills and connecting with friends who share an interest in technology. We created a place of belonging, where there are positive role models and friendships, beyond traditional extracurricular activities.
BGC South East, a place where inequality falls
While all youth in Kingston can enrol in the BGC’s programs, the benefits are felt most strongly by children from low-income families. Since the BGC absorbs the registration fees according to the household’s means, it allows all young people to have equitable access to technological resources, but also sports and educational resources.
BGC South East estimates that in the first year alone, around 400 children will receive in-depth weekly instruction in the computer lab, and that more than 500 students used the computer equipment during a field trip. The lab allows at least one computer-based program daily, with continued growth expected for 2026.
I enjoyed coding and designing robots. I improved my coding skills and got to use a 3D modeling software for the first time. I enjoyed the environment and the people I was with.
A first promising ITI Foundation project outside Quebec
Following the growth of ITI teams in Canada, the ITI Foundation is expanding its impact outside Quebec. Thanks to the involvement of a Kingston-based ITI employee who was already familiar with BGC South East and its needs, the ITI Foundation was able to offer this donation worth more than $50,000, in partnership with Lenovo.
BGC South East is extremely grateful for this incredibly generous donation. The ITI Foundation’s support has transformed our ability to deliver high-quality digital learning. The computer lab is a central hub of activity, serving children and youth from across Kingston and surrounding areas, many of whom would not otherwise have access to modern computers or industry-standard software. Your support has enabled expansion of program offerings, increased enrollment, attracted volunteers, and inspired the next generation of innovators and creators.
