Toronto’s racialized youth experience challenges in exploring career opportunities in the tech industry due to a lack of accessible tech training and education. The need for skilled tech workers is in demand, but available tech training programs and bootcamps are costly. The Digital Canopy Wi-Fi program provided Black young adults the opportunity to gain relevant experience in IT and Networking through training and social supports.

TPL partnered with Cisco Canada, George Brown College, the City of Toronto and the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals to deliver a 12-week tech training program for Black young adults ages 18-29. The library offered technical training for a Tier 1 IT support position through the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum. The learners were able to access a stipend, laptop equipment, industry networking opportunities, technical and soft skills training, trauma-informed support from social workers and work placements.

Ten young adults successfully completed the training and graduated from the Digital Canopy program in July 2021. The peer learning approach allowed learners to develop valuable technical and interpersonal skills while building the confidence to pursue a career in tech. Two participants gained employment in the tech sector soon after completing the training program.