The Canadian Centre for Arts + Technology is a non-profit organization providing specialized programs in digital arts, culinary arts and IT for underprivileged youth and young adults living in the Vancouver Downtown East Side (DTES).
CANCAT equips students with marketable skills through the arts; planting seeds of hope for a brighter future.
CANCAT is an intentional, creative space built specifically for the youth of Vancouver’s DTES. Through the CANCAT program initiatives, youth are introduced to professional artists who care about them as individuals and are committed to mentoring them through the challenges of their everyday lives. At CANCAT, students are given a safe place that provides them with stability and encouragement to explore the arts and to discover the gifts that lie within each and every one of them.
Investing in underserved youth has a profound social and economic return. Focusing solely on earnings gained through high school graduation, the return on dollars invested are as high as 15-17%. Youth at risk often struggle to learn in traditional classrooms. They need to be engaged more creatively and supported by mentors in a safe environment.
CANCAT empowers individuals with the skills to secure meaningful employment in Vancouver’s growing industries of information technology and the culinary arts.
Our strong partnerships with industry employers ensure that program curriculum meets industry standards and graduates are prepared for employment.
