Hive Waterloo Region works with community organizations to teach digital literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century and to build diversity and greater inclusion within our tech sector.
We particularly work with youth and women, giving them the technical tools to discover and shape their world. Through our member network, we shine a spotlight on relevant learning opportunities, organisations, and facilities in Waterloo Region, and promote our region’s presence as a global tech centre.
Hive Waterloo Region is an independent not-for-profit, funded thanks to the support of sponsors like TD, Libro Credit Union and the City of Kitchener. For more information please contact us here or email hello@hivewr.ca.
Our History
In recent years, Waterloo Region has seen increasing interest in technology learning and the maker culture. In 2012, a volunteer community group, Hive Waterloo, was formed to run events promoting digital literacy in the region. Near the end of 2014, a year-long learning campaign – Year of Code Waterloo Region – was conceived of, which ran from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, as a charitable campaign under Capacity Canada. Hive Waterloo Region was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit in 2016.
The Year of Code Waterloo Region campaign reached over 20,000 residents, teaching code to young and old, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity in our tech sector, and showcasing Waterloo Region internationally as a collaborative community. Hive Waterloo Region continues this work moving forward as of July 1, 2016, as an independent not-for-profit organization.
Hive Waterloo Region is seeking financial support from corporations and government in order to make Waterloo Region a leader in digital literacy and opportunity for its people, without economic, gender or other barriers.
Our goals:
- Increase digital literacy. Raise everyone’s comfort level with technology, understanding and ability to use the web, coding and all technology. Our aim is to help people move from being consumers to creators.
- Increase inclusivity and achieve equal representation in our tech sector by gender, orientation, ethnicity and ability.
- Show the world how Waterloo Region is creating an environment of inclusivity and access, that make it an ideal place to work and live with limitless opportunities.
Contact
For more information and how to get involved, please contact us here or email hello@hivewr.ca.