In an era dominated by information and communication technology, it comes as no surprise that educational technology plays an essential role in helping to prepare students for an ever-changing future. As such, there has been a greater emphasis placed on key 21st century competencies that we, as educators, must strive to nurture within our classroom walls. These competencies complement the use of ICT and include critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, aptly named "the Four C's". Yet, given that we are now more likely to find ourselves in front of a screen, I feel it is crucial that we tack on an additional "C" - connection.

If the first thing that popped into your head when you read that word was "wifi", please read on. While I agree that a decent Internet connection is invaluable, the kind of connection I am referring to is more of a fundamental nature, one that distinguishes us as human beings. By connecting with friends, family and members of our community, we can build a complex network of relationships that not only enriches our lives but also contributes to our sense of belonging and purpose while simultaneously shaping our identity.

This is why I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Canada, a country whose identity is forever evolving with every connection we make. Whether that means embracing new immigrants in search of a more prosperous future or forging stronger relationships with the indigenous peoples of our great nation, one thing is for certain: when called upon to make a difference in our communities, Canadians are always ready to lend a helping hand.

In honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary, RBC is challenging thousands of young Canadians to "Make 150 Count" and giving them $150 with one simple request: to make connections in their community and use the money to help make a difference. There are no strings attached. How they choose to use the money is completely up to them. They could put the money towards a fundraiser in support of a local charity, assemble packages for the homeless and at-risk youth, create an art display, or deliver flowers while making one-on-one connections with senior citizens in a home. Or perhaps they were inspired by the messages being shared at the recent WE Day in Montreal, an event that brought together tens of thousands of youth who are committed to making a positive impact, and now want to get involved in a WE Schools initiative or join the WE are Canada program.

Whatever they choose to do, RBC believes that “when we invest in youth, great things happen”. If you are between the ages of 16 and 25, and you want to inspire others with good deeds, share how you will Make 150 Count via Twitter or Instagram. Be sure to tag @RBC and use the #Make150Count hashtag. Or you can submit your application online at rbc.com/make150count where you can also find inspiration and read some of the many wonderful #Make150Count stories that have already been shared.

Thank you to RBC for turning the spotlight on the youth who will shape Canada's future and helping them to realize their potential!

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by RBC. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

As a mother of two young children aged five and eight, I feel our family has reached a critical juncture at which we must establish new expectations and goals that will directly impact the quality of our children's lives on various levels. Whether it be on an emotional, physical or intellectual level, the choices we make today will determine what our children will be like tomorrow. The truth of the matter is that there is no single factor that can ensure the well-being of our youth. We need to look at the 'whole' child and support them throughout key stages in their development. RBC President and CEO Gord Nixon understands this need. In a recent announcement regarding RBC's five-year, $100 million commitment to improve the health and well-being of one million kids and youth, Nixon said:

As a teacher, I couldn't be more thrilled to learn that the Pledge will kick off with $2.8 million in donations that will support 106 community-based after school programs across Canada, 36 of which are based in Ontario alone. The RBC After School Project will fund several inner-city children and Aboriginal youth programs and activities such as computer instruction, sports, literacy tutoring, music and art lessons, nutrition guidance, and homework help. Throughout the 2013-2014 academic year, approximately 57,000 kids will receive support through this project. And that's not all. RBC will provide $4.6 million in charitable grants to 125 organizations across Canada as part of the RBC Children's Mental Health Project, which will support various anti-stigma, early intervention and awareness programs. 

RBC's commitment to kids doesn't end there, however. Knowing that healthy, active youth contribute to great communities, RBC has been a strong supporter of sports from the playground to the podium since 1947. They also understand that without skates to lace, volunteers to lead, coaches to inspire and ice to play on, the game of hockey could not happen. The RBC Play Hockey Grants program funds projects that keep hockey alive in communities across our great nation. Meet Thomas. Having moved to Canada from England, he had never before worn goalie equipment. With the help of the RBC Play Hockey program, Thomas now has the 'guts' to be a goalie, just like his role model Johnny Bower.