Actua partners with Mastercard to prepare Canadian youth for the future of work

Today, Actua announced Mastercard as its newest partner, helping to empower Canadian youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through this partnership, Mastercard will support Actua’s Future Skills Program which provides undergraduate students with leadership and skills training that will prepare them for the future of work. Students will also have mentorship opportunities with employees from Mastercard.

Actua’s Future Skills program, launched in 2018, supports the development of employability skills and competencies for the 1,000 undergraduate students (10% Indigenous) who work for Actua’s 38 university and college-based network members. In addition to having a meaningful employment experience, the students studying in science, engineering, math, computer science and education get to participate in training and coaching that prepare them for success in the workforce.

“We are committed to ensuring that the students employed through our network are not only applying their knowledge in STEM, but also acquiring new experience and skills in leadership, problem solving, financial management, risk assessment, communication, and mental health awareness; all skills we know are critical in the workplace,” said Jennifer Flanagan, CEO, Actua. “Our partnership with Mastercard will help make this happen, and we are incredibly proud to have them on board.”

“The global economy continues to change rapidly with advancements in technology, and the next generation of Canadians will need greater focus on agility, collaboration and leadership development to keep pace,” said Sohil Tiwari, SVP, Market Development, for Mastercard in Canada. “Mastercard understands the importance of equipping youth with the digital business skills required to prepare them for the jobs of the future, which is why we’re so excited to partner with Actua.”

About Actua: Actua is Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach network representing 38 university and college based members. Each year, Actua’s growing network of member organizations reach over 250,000 young Canadians in 500 communities nationwide. Actua focuses on the engagement of underrepresented youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, at-risk youth and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Its national InSTEM program reaches over 35,000 Indigenous youth per year in over 200 Indigenous communities. Actua’s major funding partners include: Government of Canada, Google Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, RBC Foundation, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD, Microsoft Canada, Finning Canada, Imperial, Toyota Canada Foundation, GE Canada, Mastercard, CIRA and Lockheed Martin Canada. For more information about Actua, visit actua.ca.

About Mastercard: Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

This partnership is supported by a grant from the United Way Worldwide on behalf of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.