Today’s blog is written by Decoda’s Executive Director, Sandra Lee. 

If you’ve got growing kids making decisions about life after high school—or maybe working their way through college or university—you know how valuable those summer jobs can be. And if you don’t, chances are you remember your own first summer gigs.

This summer, Decoda was lucky enough to bring two talented young people onto our team with the support of a Canada Summer Jobs grant from Employment and Social Development Canada.

🌟Erik Ertel stepped in as our Content creator and social media support. With his creative eye for writing, video shooting, and editing, he helped us raise our profile in fresh and exciting ways. Watch for the videos on our social media channels.

 📚 Andy Zhang took on the role of Library and information management technician, supporting our library by digitizing materials for greater access and digging into research that explores how low literacy connects with broader community challenges.

Their work made a real difference—and their energy and curiosity left us inspired.

We’re so grateful for their contributions and wish them both the very best as they return to the Langara College Library Technician program. We know they’ll continue to shine.

Thank you, Erik and Andy, for spending your summer with us. And thank you, ESDC and the Government of Canada, for making it possible. Investing in youth is investing in the future!