John Abbott College at the West Island Black Community Association Robo Expo
On June 1, John Abbott College participated in the West Island Black Community Association’s (WIBCA) Robo Expo at the Dollard-Des-Ormeaux Civic Centre.
WIBCA’s robotics program introduces young people ages nine through nineteen to the field of robotics and to the creativity and possibilities of futures in STEM.
Mark Ewanchyna, co-chair of our Engineering Technologies department, is a regular collaborator with WIBCA and brings his engineering expertise to its robotics program. This ongoing extracurricular relationship with WIBCA is a great example of the College’s engagements with the community it serves.
Pictured with Mark from left to right are John Abbott teachers and WIBCA-supporters Richard Masters (Mathematics) and Dr. Paul Bazelais (Physics), along with Francis Scarpaleggia (Speaker of the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for the riding of Lac Saint-Louis) and Dr. Douglas Brown (Dean of Pedagogical Development and Innovation).
Richard and Paul have been working together to increase the number of Black students in John Abbott’s STEM programs and to improve their experiences at the College. As well as making the rounds of the WIBCA event, Mr. Scarpaleggia was pleased to talk with us about his family’s long-standing involvements with our College.
