Annual Report 2023

What We Do And Why It Matters

The world is changing, and we want Canada to be ready. We’re here to make sure that all people in Canada — particularly those who are marginalized and underrepresented in tech — have access to the knowledge they need to prosper in our digital world.

We envision a prosperous Canada where all people have the skills and confidence to harness the power of technology to create a better and more inclusive future.

In 2023, Canada Learning Code focused on upskilling professionals – with a key focus on teachers and educators – to integrate technology-based education into the classroom, so students could take what they learned with them throughout their education and eventual career.

Going forward, we’re expanding upon our decade’s plus work to deepen our impact and enable people to confidently navigate through their career trajectory, with the start of new pathways.

We’re still the spark that ignites the start of big things.

But now, working as your trusted guide, we’re doing those big things, together.

Sparking a New Interest in Tech & Code

With the return to in-person learning that began in 2022, 2023 was focused on re-engaging communities throughout Canada and understanding their evolving needs when it came to tech education. In communities like Thunder Bay, St. John’s and Edmonton, we made significant strides in tailoring our workshop offerings to resonate with learners in unique ways. By being present in the community and listening closely, we could curate experiences that opened minds to the potential tech holds.

A highlight was Canada Learning Code: FUTURES, the reimagined evolution of our previous National Ladies Learning Code Day event. With 300 attendees, this national experience brought our Chapters together to simultaneously run in-person workshops, supplemented by virtual panel discussions hosted by our headquarter office. FUTURES helped learners embark on their journeys in tech by seeing the future as more than just a destination— but rather, a journey full of possibilities.

Building Up Local Networks

After re-launching in-person workshops and events in 2022 for the first time since 2020, we focused on building up networks in each of our Chapter locations in intentional ways. Recognizing that people in each region have unique needs, Chapters began experimenting with different types of events to effectively resonate and connect with their communities.

One example of a well-received event was creatively repurposing our “Generative Art with JavaScript” content to develop a “Paint Night with Code” event. This event, which took place in St. John’s, NFLD was eventually adopted by other Chapters. Additionally, International Women’s Day served as a rallying moment for Chapters to bring their communities together, allowing them to feel part of something even larger.

What’s Next?

Thinking ahead: Guiding professionals through AI acceleration

From Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO, Canada Learning Code

As quickly as technology evolved over the last year, so did our community’s needs as we’ve heard from many of you. To that end, 2023 was also marked by a period of deep strategic planning. Gathering input from various careholders, we set forth to chart the next chapter of Canada Learning Code.

While we’re just beginning that evolution, we know our work matters more than ever. The underrepresentation of women, transgender, and non-binary people in computer science persists and is worse for those who are Black, Indigenous or Racialized; and since the pandemic, this situation has been getting worse, not better. This is why our commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the core of everything we do. The most significant gaps among tech jobs rely heavily on disruptive tech skills that will drive tomorrow’s economy. Further, the acceleration of technology (such as ChatGPT) means everyone needs to increase their fluency to work, build, and live with technology.

As we studied, listened and debated the next chapter for the organization, it was clear that we needed to do more. While every journey starts with a single spark, our work must go deeper. Specifically, we are responsible for leveraging our unique capabilities to support early to mid-career professionals as their trusted guide and help them navigate from their first experience with us to a pathway toward successful and meaningful change in career outcomes.

As a result of the last 13 years of work, we’re excited to have launched the Career Collective. A private, member-based career platform for people whose current roles aren’t in the tech sector but who are looking to enhance their work through a better understanding of how to use technology. ​​It will evolve and grow — right now, the focus is on helping professionals understand how AI is changing the workforce.

We look forward to continuing to build a better, more inclusive future with all of you.