Eager to explore all that has been imagined for them in the Think Big Space, students from a nearby Saint-Michel neighbourhood school, in Montreal, bolt up the stairs and make their way to the second floor of the Centre socioéducatif Lasallien. Their faces light up as they pass the doorway, glancing over all of the new technology–an interactive touch table, 3D printer, robots and mini-computers—and equipment that now fills the rooms.
You can hear the echoes of excitement in this brand-new space, open since late September. “Wow! It's beautiful in here!” says 9-year-old Sylvana. “I’d love to create a robot that will do my homework,” she chuckles. With eyes sweeping the room, her classmate Ruth explains that learning code is what she’s most excited about: “I've always been interested in that.”
What is a Think Big Space?
The Think Big Space—a first in Canada and in the French-speaking world—is the result of a unique collaboration between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Centre socioéducatif Lasallien. Here, young visitors can explore a range of learning paths, including coding, programming, robotics and much more. Everyone, from students, to educators and local residents can discover and explore innovative and imaginative ideas in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), and most importantly, dare to “think big” through the Space’s year-round programming.
Through the AWS InCommunities program, AWS works to make a positive impact in the communities where its data centers are located and where its employees live, work and raise their families. Since 2016, the Greater Montreal area is the hub for AWS data centres in Quebec, and for its local operations, homegrown talent and continued investments.
AWS and the Centre Lasallien share an ambitious vision to help shape Quebec's next generation of great thinkers and builders. Together, they hope to reach the 5,000 young visitors and introduce them to today’s emerging technologies through a variety of programs and activities including introduction to artificial intelligence (AI), scientific experimentation for young women, and hands-on digital exploration, as well as FabLab workshops where students can turn their projects into reality using digitization and 3D printing—ensuring that the future young talent are quickly exposed to technologies they could one day work with.
What is the Centre Lasallien?
Located in the heart of Montreal's Saint-Michel neighbourhood, the Centre Lasallien aims to reduce inequalities and promote the social and academic success of local young people, while helping them to become engaged, open-minded, proactive and responsible citizens. Through the AWS Think Big Space, they gain access to cutting-edge equipment and technology they might not otherwise have access to.
Rachel Brassard, principal of the Polyvalente Louis-Joseph-Papineau, located next door to the Centre, agrees: “The Centre Lasallien and its new Think Big Space meet needs that we at the school are unable to fulfill, no matter how hard we work.” During her visit to the Think Big Space, the head of the high school attended by 1,600 young people from the neighbourhood, reiterated that “this lab will provide the right environment for these interactions, where ideas can take shape, where curiosity can be transformed into discovery, and where each student will have the opportunity to become an agent of change. My aim, as principal, is for each student to find his or her own project, so that from this moment on, they see a future for themselves.”
“Think Big” is one of Amazon's leadership principles, which encourages individuals to think differently, and take a bold direction that inspires results. In a neighbourhood where graduation rates remain a challenge, an initiative like the AWS Big Think Space is also part of an effort to help keep students in school by enabling these young people to develop an ambitious vision of their future.
“This new space will help cultivate their curiosity in STEAM, and can ultimately contribute to the development of local technology skills. It’s important to foster their interest in these fields at an early age,” emphasized Réjean Bourgault, National Director at AWS Canada, at the grand opening. “We’re now offering users more ways of pursuing a career in this sector. We're proud to help uncover the range of opportunities in STEAM for these youth, and more, and to help ensure the next strong, diverse and more equitable workforce for Canada's digital economy.”
For the young visitors from the neighbouring school, a world of possibilities has now opened up.
“I'd heard about the Centre Lasallien before, but I didn't know where it was,” says Rose. “Now that I know where it is and all there is to do here, I'm going to ask my mom to come back with me.”
Her classmate Amelia is also looking forward to her next visit. “It's much better to come here than to stay at home doing nothing or looking at screens. I'll be back with friends!”
“This Think Big Space is so much more than a learning environment: it's an open door to endless possibilities,” concludes Paul Evra, General Manager of the Centre Lasallien.
