Digital Marketing Skills Canada Partners with Best Buy Canada to Empower Students with Essential Technology

Vancouver, BC – August 21, 2024 – The Digital Marketing Skills Canada project is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Best Buy Canada to remove barriers and improve access to technology for its students. The project is delivered by the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA), Growclass and Jelly Academy, and is funded by Upskill Canada and the Government of Canada. Each partner delivers training programs equipping students with the skills needed to thrive as digital marketers in the workforce of the future.

In a new and exciting addition to this collaboration, Best Buy Canada will become the official technology provider for the DMSC program, offering essential devices to students in need. This program is being put in place to bring additional support to people in underrepresented communities who are looking to gain career-focused industry skills and do not currently have access to the technology, or tools required to complete their chosen program. Without industry-standard tech, it is extremely difficult for individuals to confidently enter the workforce and be able to put their skills to full use.

With this initiative, Best Buy Canada will supply either a laptop or a smart phone to all program participants who require these tools to succeed in their marketing education and career post-graduation. This generous contribution is aimed at ensuring all students have access to the necessary resources to develop their skills and grow in their career.

“Ensuring learners in our program have access to the technology and tools they need to succeed is paramount,” said Alison Simpson, President & CEO, Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). “The CMA is excited to partner with Best Buy to remove barriers for those who don’t this access and are looking to upskill in a competitive tech based environment”.

"At Best Buy Canada, we are dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve. Our focus is to equip students with the technology that can unlock new opportunities for their future careers," said Karen Arsenault, Manager of Social Impact at Best Buy Canada. "As long-time partners of Jelly Academy, we are excited to continue our collaboration and help bridge the digital divide through this initiative."

"This partnership with Best Buy Canada is a game-changer, breaking down barriers and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in their digital marketing careers," said Sarah Stockdale, Founder of Growclass. "Together, we are making strides toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all aspiring growth marketers."

"We are thrilled to partner with Best Buy Canada and are deeply grateful for their commitment to supporting our students," said Darian Kovacs, Founder of Jelly Academy. "This partnership will have a profound impact on the lives of our students, enabling them to overcome technological barriers and pursue their educational and professional goals with confidence."

The DMSC initiative is powered by Upskill Canada and is part of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers. These agreements will help thousands of workers find new careers through skills training and job placement in some of the fastest-growing industries in Canada. In partnership with Growclass, Jelly Academy, and Upskill Canada, the DMSC program will upskill 1200 individuals from underrepresented groups by March 2025.

For more information about the Jelly Academy’s partnership with Digital Marketing Skills Canada, please follow this link.