Robotics Program
Engage416/31 Division Youth Robotics Pilot Program
OUR MISSION
The mission statement of the Integrated Gang Prevention Task Force (IGPTF) is to reduce gang violence and membership through a multi-sectoral approach focused on education, prevention, intervention and suppression initiatives in partnership with impacted stakeholders. The efforts of the IGPTF have led to the creation of Project Engage416.
Project Engage416 is an expansion of the Toronto Police Service’s greater gang prevention and violence reduction strategy. The strategy is focused on implementing appropriate education, prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies and initiatives focused on the reduction of guns and gangs, human trafficking, and sexual violence and harassment.
In light of the rising incidents of gun violence in the City of Toronto, the proposed Engage416/31 Division Youth Robotics Pilot Program aim is to inspire youth to engage in “STEM” science, technology, engineering and mathematics through Robotics. Our current identified communities have many overlapping supports for a variety of sports; however, this has left a great void in addressing youth that are not athletically inclined. The Engage416/31 Division Youth Robotics Pilot Program will utilize the core strategies adopted by Engage416 to engage the community and provide youth with opportunities outside of their neighbourhood. We seek to imprint on youth and inspire new possibilities for their future before any trappings of gang culture can take hold in their lives, and to identify existing challenges within the community and appropriate strategies to address them.
MISSION OBJECTIVE
To organize and host a Robotics program for at-risk youth from the violence and gang-impacted neighbourhoods associated to project Engage416. Ten youth from various neighbourhoods will be brought together to participate one day a week, on Mondays for 2 hours for 14 weeks. The instruction and training will be provided by “Senior Mentors” of the FIRST Robotics Canada organization with the assistance of Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education “Y.A.A.A.C.E.” employees, Engage416 Officers and 31 Division Neighbourhood Community Officers “NCOs”. Each class will include a robotics educational component delivered to the youth. Tools and equipment necessary for the program will be provided to youth participants at no cost. During each class session, FIRST Robotics Canada will provide information regarding employment opportunities in the robotics industry.
Youth participants will be offered the opportunity to become “Jr. Mentors” on completion of the program, along with the option to continue learning in Robotics in the higher-level stages of programs that exist nationally and internationally with FIRST Robotics Canada. Wrap-around services generally offered by Engage416 will be provided to youth participants ranging from employment assistance, educational supports, and mental health resources.
Share this article
31 Divison News
