UPEI receives federal and provincial dollars for video game programming in Computer Science and IT
With funding from ACOA and Technology PEI, UPEI will establish a video game programming stream within the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology. The courses offered will be among the first in Canada at the undergraduate level.
The university will receive $426,245 from ACOA, through its Business Development Program, and $445,000 from Technology PEI for the project.
"By providing Islanders with an opportunity to study and work in this exciting emerging field, the university is endeavouring to address the demands of both students and employers. The program to be introduced is demanding, but for those students who rise to the challenge, the future looks extremely positive,” said Vianne Timmons, UPEI Vice-President of Academic Development.
The funding will allow UPEI to market new programs and purchase the necessary hardware, software and curriculum resources. Funding from both levels of government will help advance the video game industry on PEI by further developing a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the demands of the growing information technology sector.
Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Development and Technology, announced the funding last week as part of a total investment of $1.3-million for UPEI and Holland College for new video game training and programming.
