Province Supports Centre for Arts, Technology

Students who are struggling in school will have more opportunities to learn in creative ways and develop skills that will help prepare them for good jobs and higher education.

The province is providing $125,000 to the Bridge Centre for Arts and Technology, which uses after-school programs including ceramics, dance, spoken-word and digital arts to engage students who might otherwise consider dropping out of school.

"Every student has unique strengths and challenges, and in Kids and Learning First we committed to help every student succeed," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "The Bridge Centre is a valuable resource for students along with the support they receive in schools. We're pleased to help provide more opportunities for our youth."

The centre, located in downtown Dartmouth, offers programs for students in Halifax and Dartmouth. The organization has an agreement with Halifax Regional School Board where students must attend class in order to take part in the centre's programs.

The province has also committed to help Bridge Centre work with industry and post-secondary partners to offer skills and career training for young adults who are out of school.

"Nova Scotia offers many exciting prospects for young people who are trained in skilled trades and technology," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "We look forward to working with the Bridge Centre to help prepare youth for good jobs here at home."

Bridge Centre chair David Graham welcomes the provincial support.

"We have hit a number of critical milestones in recent months, but none as critical as this transitional funding from government," Mr. Graham said. "This will allow us to launch regular programming early in 2013."