Discover how Ciena and West Island Community Shares are expanding tech access and digital confidence for underserved youth across Montréal’s West Island.
Across Montréal’s West Island, the ability to connect is opening new doors for young people, families, and community organizations.
Together with West Island Community Shares (WICS) we are working to empower local youth centres and nonprofits with the tools, training, and connectivity they need to the community. From robotics and coding programs to PC-building workshops, digital wellness initiatives, and AI training for nonprofit leaders, our support is strengthening organizations across the region and unlocking new possibilities for those who rely on them most.
Where our digital inclusion funding is making a difference
WICS distributes funds to more than 40 local organizations who have strong community relationships, deep understanding of need, and proven effectiveness in making an impact. Through streamlined administration and shared impact, WICS’ unique system of distributing funds where they will have the greatest impact strengthens resilience across the entire West Island community.
This grant turned technology into opportunity. It gave our youth a place to learn, laugh, and feel proud of their space.
With funds provided by Ciena, WICS has delivered meaningful impact across the following organizations:
Maison des Jeunes de Pierrefonds
Our funding transformed this drop-in centre into a modern, tech-forward space with laptops, gaming consoles, instant cameras, and reliable Wi-Fi. These upgrades help youth learn, connect, complete homework, and feel proud of a safe space that sees over 1,800 walk-ins.
Maison des Jeunes A-Ma-Baie
With robotics kits, digital tools, and upgraded Wi-Fi, A-Ma-Baie now offers young people opportunities to explore coding, digital art, gaming, and media projects. As coordinator Jihane Znadi shares, “The new technology has helped our youth thrive… friendships form and confidence grows.” Technology has become a magnet for creativity and connection.
YMCA West Island
Our support enabled the YMCA’s “Build Your Own PC” workshop, where teens learn hardware, budgeting, and hands-on problem solving. Coordinator Viral Desai describes the shift: “The youth aren’t just learning about technology — they’re preparing to create it.” Additional upgrades to the Homework Help Program ensure reliable digital access for tutoring, research, and recreation.
Action Jeunesse de l’Ouest-de-l’Île
Funding allowed AJOI to equip vulnerable youth with laptops and expand digital outreach through platforms like Instagram. One powerful example involved a 17-year-old who sought help exclusively online, prompting a discreet connection with a lawyer who could support him. “Every step forward… shows how consistent, close support can make a difference,” shares an AJOI youth.
West Island Black Community Association
Our investment continues to strengthen WIBCA’s STEM and Robotics Program, where 40 youth designed solar lamps, competed in robotics challenges, and presented at a university showcase. As WIBCA President Joan Lee notes, “I’ve seen students who were once hesitant about STEM become enthusiastic problem-solvers and leaders.”
Anorexie & Boulimie Québec (ANEB)
Support from Ciena expanded ANEB’s interactive online initiative, Rallye Web: Ensemble, à bas les TA!, reaching more than 1,300 youth with education on recognizing and responding to eating disorder symptoms. Executive Director Josée Champagne highlights the impact: “Through technology and an interactive approach, we can open conversations that might never have happened otherwise.”
Projet Communautaire de Pierrefonds
Through its Tech Coding for All program, Projet Communautaire de Pierrefonds introduced more than 20 children from vulnerable families to block coding, game design, and problem-solving skills. By removing financial barriers, our support helps ensure that every child, regardless of background, can access early coding opportunities and explore their creativity.
Supporting leaders with tools for a digital future
WICS is not only uplifting youth but also empowering the organizations that serve them. With our support, WICS hosted AI for Nonprofits training sessions for more than 40 executive directors and managers. These fully booked workshops offered practical tools to enhance fundraising, strengthen grant writing, and streamline daily workflows. One participant shared, “It offered so many useful tips and examples on how to use AI to our advantage.” Leaders left the sessions inspired, better connected, and prepared to integrate AI into their missions, magnifying their impact across the community.
Our ongoing commitment to digital inclusion
As we continue our support of WICS with our renewed commitment through 2027, we’re centering our focus on five key impact areas. We will continue to invest in youth resources through the West Island Black Community Association and the Pierrefonds Community Project, as well as expand training for nonprofit leaders with sessions on cybersecurity. We will also work towards the development of more Teen Zones and provide free access to FabZone for youth across WICS’ network, ensuring more young people can access the connectivity and tools they need to complete schoolwork and explore their creativity.
The kids have grown so much. This program truly unleashes their creativity and confidence.
By empowering youth with the tools to explore their potential and supporting nonprofits with the skills to amplify their impact, we’re helping create a future where opportunity is shared, confidence can grow, and everyone has the ability to connect. Together with WICS and its network of dedicated community organizations, we’re proud to help bridge the digital divide and open pathways for people to learn, create, and thrive.
This article is also available in French.