I’m pleased to share news with you of an important social initiative that Compugen in partnership with Compugen Finance has been working on for some time now with Rogers Communications, Microsoft Canada and Toronto Community Housing (TCH). Launched August 22 at the Cooper Mills townhouse complex of TCH in the presence of many resident families, representatives of the sponsoring organizations, the local MP Peggy Nash and media, Connected for Success ™, now part of the Rogers Youth Fund, offers qualified residents of TCH access to Rogers high-speed Internet service with speeds of 3Mbps and usage allowance of 30 GB for only $9.99 per month. Residents also have the opportunity to purchase a refurbished computer for $150.00 from Compugen loaded with educational software from Microsoft.

I spoke at the launch about how important youth literacy is to us at Compugen and how well Connected for Success fits with our long-term support of youth in Canada’s urban, rural and remote communities. I also spoke about our Green4Good program which is allowing us to source quality equipment for Connected for Success.

There is a digital divide in Canada—between families with access to technology and internet and those without. Too many disadvantaged families cannot afford at-home internet access with up-to-date technology. Too many children have to play catch-up later because of this lack. We heard our partners in Connected for Success—Rogers, Microsoft and TCH—speaking to the same goal of bridging the digital divide.

Thanks to Steve Glover and his team, Microsoft Canada, and to Rogers Communications for their deep commitment to the program.

Harry Zarek, President and CEO, Compugen Inc.