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KAST receives $15,000 for inclusive programs at Nelson Tech Club

‘These programs will be a perfect introduction to using technology’
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The Nelson Tech Club will benefit from a $15,000 contribution from the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology. Facebook photo

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The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology received $15,000 from the Discovery Foundation Technology Education Program to deliver all ages, inclusive programming at the Nelson Tech Club.

“These programs will be a perfect introduction to using technology,” says Cam Whitehead, executive director of KAST, “for anyone who wants to use tech to live better, work smarter, or just build something for fun.”

The Nelson Tech Club, located at the Nelson and District Youth Centre, is a barrier-free public hackerspace for people of all ages to learn, share and play using technology — including 3-D printing, robotics, software, design and more. The weekly drop-in programs will start in June and run for six months on Wednesday nights.

This application supports KAST’s aims to establish an inclusive digital technology community around the Nelson Innovation Centre, which recently received $100,000 from the Rural Dividend Fund.

“We want all people to be able to benefit from new opportunities created by tech and innovation,” says Whitehead, “and that means creating a community space to learn new skills.”

The Nelson Tech Club comprises over 500 members and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. It has been active since 2012.

Anyone interested in attending the program should contact info@nelson-tech-club.info