Connected North Named One of the World’s Top 100 Education Innovations in HundrED Global Collection

TakingITGlobal’s Connected North program has been named one of the world’s top 100 education innovations in the HundrED Global Collection 2026. This is an international recognition that celebrates the most impactful and scalable solutions that are transforming education around the world, and TakingITGlobal is honoured to see Connected North among them.

From nearly 800 global submissions, Connected North stood out through a rigorous, multi-round evaluation by HundrED’s international academy of 242 education experts. The program’s selection for the HundrED Global Collection 2026 underscores the impact of Connected North, not just nationally, but globally as an example of how technology, community, and culture can come together to create lasting change in education.

This made-in-Canada initiative is redefining how students in remote and Indigenous communities access learning opportunities across the country. Its inclusion in the HundrED Global Collection is a testament to TakingITGlobal’s leadership in advancing digital inclusion and educational equity across Canada’s northern and Indigenous communities.

“To see this program recognized by HundrED only affirms what we witness every day: that Connected North is making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of students across the north,” said Eileen Beaver, Elder, storyteller and content provider with Connected North. “I’ve watched students in the most remote communities explore museums, take music lessons, learn cultural beading, and meet Indigenous role models from across the country — all digitally. Coming from a small community myself, I know how limited the options can be. Connected North opens doors that many students never imagined possible, and in doing so, it gives them permission to dream bigger. As a storyteller, I share traditional knowledge and each time, I see Connected North creating space for curiosity, belonging, and inspiration.”

Transforming Learning Across Canada’s North

Connected North brings live, interactive virtual learning to students in remote Indigenous communities across Canada. The program partners with over 200 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis role models who lead the majority of sessions, sharing their stories, skills, and career journeys to inspire the next generation.

Using high-definition, two-way video, Connected North links K–12 classrooms with Indigenous content creators, virtual field trips, career exploration sessions, and teacher professional development. By blending technology with culturally grounded content and Indigenous voices, Connected North is helping narrow opportunity gaps and foster a stronger sense of belonging in classrooms across Canada’s North.

“This recognition from HundrED affirms the strength of our partnerships and the power of connecting Indigenous students with inspiring role models who share their culture, language, and lived experience” said Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director of TakingITGlobal. “Connected North is about creating meaningful learning experiences that spark curiosity, pride, and opportunity across Canada’s north — no matter where a student lives.”

In the 2024–25 school year alone, the program delivered more than 7,750 sessions, reaching over 200 schools and 37,000 students. Teachers continue to report impressive outcomes — with 96.5 per cent saying Connected North helps engage students, boost attendance, and increase motivation to learn.

Learn more about the HundrED Global Collection 2026.