Access Resources

Since 1999, the Learning Exchange has been developing mutually beneficial relationships with community organizations. We’re interested in working with you to build capacity for the future while meeting the needs of the present.

Our programs, your clients

With an asset-based approach, our staff can work with you to identify local residents’ skills and interests and direct them to appropriate programs. These can range from computer workshops to facilitating English conversation sessions – our resources are here for you and the community you work with.

Information about our free programs, including how to register someone, and in our event calendar.

If you wish to host computer training, we can assist you in developing your organization’s capacity. Please contact Dionne Pelan, Computer and Drop-in Coordinator, at dionne.pelan@ubc.ca.

Connecting with UBC

We want to bring people together, serving as a connection point for the community and the university. We have on-site practical and community development experience and academic expertise and we’re here year-round. Here are some of the ways we can engage with you:

UBC students

We support UBC students who are learning in the Downtown Eastside community. Our students want to contribute and are eager for real-life learning. If you have a project that would benefit from the energetic resources of a UBC student, contact Matt Hume, Student Learning Coordinator, at matt.hume@ubc.ca. Information about UBC student learning activities in communities outside the Downtown Eastside can be found at UBC’s Centre for Community Engaged Learning.

UBC faculty

Our unique role allows us to open doors – linking you to UBC experts, and linking faculty to you. We know how to navigate the university and look for ways to generate innovative approaches and initiatives. Let us work with you – contact Kathleen Leahy, Director, at kathleen.leahy@ubc.ca.

UBC research

We can support your organization in launching, participating in or sharing results of community-based research. Through initiatives like Making Research Accessible (MRAi) we can work together to promote new knowledge.

If you need research help, please contact Nick Ubels, Community Engagement Librarian, at nick.ubels@ubc.ca.

Other Resources

We can provide community orientation materials to help you better prepare students and other people going into the DTES.

Also, free meeting space at the Learning Exchange is available for community organizations. To find out more about availability and suitability of our private small rooms (1-5 people), semi-private large rooms (up to 30 people) and bookable workstations, please contact Eliza Ong Javier, Operations and Engagement Coordinator, at eliza.ongjavier@ubc.ca.