February 1, 2005 Summerside, Prince Edward Island The Youth in Business and Technology Program (YIBAT) is gearing up for another year in the Intermediate and Consolidated Schools across Prince Edward Island. The project, a joint initiative between The Innovation & Technology Association of PEI (ITAP), the Government of Canada, Technology PEI, and the Department of Education and the Western School Board, began as a pilot project in November 2003 with 32 grade 9 students. This school year, it is anticipated that over 100 students working in teams of four will have participated from all 21 grade nine classes across PEI. The YIBAT Program was developed to provide Island students with a hands-on approach to learning business skills by using the latest in technology. The project fosters youth entrepreneurship through mentoring in the information technology sector, and particularly, the new media sector. "This is a program based on a vision that encompasses new skills and learning attitudes as well as a focus on innovation that is much needed in today's knowledge-based economy," noted the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Government of Canada. "By participating in the program's activities, the students will gain valuable entrepreneurial skills and increase their awareness of the many opportunities e-business ventures can provide." The program will run after school and will also use non- teaching days, such as professional development days to get in some extra mentorship time. A program manager along with two facilitators will provide leadership to the students and mentoring will be provided by members of ITAP, and through the Business Information Systems Development (BISD) program of Holland College and the Faculty of Education at UPEI. "This program will help students in two key areas: greater familiarity with information and communications technology and an increased knowledge of the world of business and entrepreneurship," said St Eleanor's-Summerside MLA Helen MacDonald, on behalf of Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie. "Last year's pilot program was very enthusiastically received and I am pleased to see that the program has been made available to more students this year." Most of the software and technology used is sponsored by organizations such as Nortel Networks, Junior Achievement, and Media Spark Inc. The students also have the opportunity to experience state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Atlantic Technology Centre. "Our hope is that these bright young students will see that there are dynamic IT businesses right here on PEI, and that they can choose to live here, innovate and prosper in this exciting industry," said Michael Critchley, President of ITAP. Students will work in groups and meet weekly, either in- person or virtually, to develop a business plan. This process begins by identifying a need, developing possible solutions, and then selecting one idea for development into a full business plan. At the end of the program, the students will present their business plans to a panel of judges who will select the best projects. Last year's winners were hosted in Ottawa by Junior Achievement and Nortel Networks. As part of that trip, students had the opportunity to travel to several venues in Quebec City and Ottawa. Junior Achievement (Ottawa) has once again invited YIBAT to send PEI's winning teams to participate in their Business Challenge this spring. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has contributed $186, 468 to this two-year project. Technology PEI is providing $54,258. The Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology, is providing $33,194. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Ron Crozier Office of the Minister for ACOA (902) 888-4150 Ann Thurlow Development & Technology (902) 569-0571 Sandy Peardon, Executive Director ITAP (902) 628-4585 Stephen Ramsay Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (902) 566-7686 Wes Harrison ACOA PEI & Tourism (902) 368-0842
