The HUB is launching a new initiative, the Student Study Centre, which has been created as an option for the many students who will be completing courses online due to COVID-19.
The HUB, on Crescent Road, was established after Graham Thompson recognized the need for a support system for entrepreneurs working within Muskoka. It currently provides a working environment, professional support, and social networking opportunities to businesses and individuals.
That space will now also provide students with a professional and supportive environment while giving them the opportunity to complete tasks in private such as video calls with teachers or professors and exams, thus making it suitable for both high school and college or university students. And it will give those forced to study away from their campus the ability to separate their home and school lives, as well as provide better Internet access than they may be able to access at home.
“The HUB, established by New Vision Unlimited, has a passion to see young people in our community not only succeed in their education, but feel as though they can stay in Muskoka and be successful in their career and lifestyle choices,” said Thompson. “The greatest benefit for anyone working at The HUB is the ability to network with each other, and feel supported and energized to accomplish goals.”
Student members at The HUB have access to the space seven days a week and receive in-house IT support, as well as access to an online booking calendar, a shared kitchen, and ample parking. They also get student pricing on coffee The Muskoka North Good Food Co-op, which is in the same building.
“The HUB is working very hard to ensure the Student Study Centre is affordable and effective for students,” said Thompson. “In order to re-purpose space in The HUB, there is a need to transform work stations, purchase additional IT resources, and cover the regular income lost for that space. For this reason, The HUB is putting out a request to local businesses and individuals asking for their sponsorship, either through monetary or in-kind (materials, services) donations. To date we have received a great response, however further contributions will be required. All sponsors will be publicly recognized through various platforms to show our appreciation, but most of all sponsors will know they are contributing to our community’s future.”
The membership fee per student will be $100 per month or a discounted rate of $350 for four months. Students who can’t afford the membership can apply for a reduced fee under the same process as The HUB’s Inspire Membership—its Board of Directors will review the request and can reduce the fees up to 100 per cent.
“I feel this is an ideal place for students as it has many locally established professionals ready to share experience and provide guidance for those students preparing for life after school. The HUB has over 120 members who have the reputation to be very supportive, community-minded people. This is shown in the amount of sponsorship we were able to collect for the student program so far,” said Thompson.
As part of The HUB’s COVID-19 prevention protocols, they provide sanitizing supplies to all members, have created more space between work stations, and have added to the opportunities for private room bookings for those who prefer a more isolated environment.
For more information or to purchase a membership, contact Graham Thompson at [email protected] or 705-783-4676.
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Way to go, Graham! You were considerably ahead of the curve with your initiation of the HUB. Now you have anticipated another community lead, and reconfigured your establishment to meet it.
If you ever have a Board vacancy, I would feel privileged to apply.
What a terrific opportunity for Muskoka students. The next few months are going to be a challenge and we all must work together to ensure that our young people have opportunities to succeed.