A History of Community Collaboration

The initiative grew out of two pilot projects undertaken by Grenfell Campus in (1) Port Saunders, in partnership with the Northern Peninsula (Mekap'sk) Mi'kmaq Band and Norpen Status of Women's Council; and (2) in St. George’s, in partnership with the St. George’s Indian Band. These hubs were established in response to both the challenges faced by students adapting to the online learning environment during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and from the university's desire to continue building community-university connections.

Further consultations throughout rural, remote, and northern areas of NL revealed this need to be widespread, and additional funding was secured through ACOA, Global Affairs Canada and the provincial government to establish additional hubs in other areas of the province.

These community spaces have been co-designed to facilitate community programs through the provision of high-speed internet, video conferencing capabilities, and collaboration spaces. Each location has a main contact/facilitator that is responsible for the running of programming and access to the community hub.

Ultimately, the community hubs will be venues for the delivery of the university’s continuing education offerings as well as other community-based programming, engagement, teaching and learning, and research. These opportunities will  be delivered both in person and online. These community-led spaces will enhance opportunities for individuals, employees, NGO leaders, volunteers, private sector managers, and entrepreneurs

Read the Gazette article for more information.

 

More Information 

March 21, 2021 - Q&A session