TERRACE BAY—Superior North Catholic District School Board, director of education, Maria Vasinelli and Nicole Morden Cormier, director of education for Superior-Greenstone District School Board, both shared in the excitement with their students, as they participated in Lakehead University’s ActiveU program recently.
Hosted by Lakehead University’s ActiveU staff, approximately 60 students from SNCDSB and SGDSB, visited the campus on Thursday, June 9, as part of their annual Achievement Program Day.
The Achievement Program which first launched in 2011, highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting access to post-secondary education by facilitating an opportunity to future students who experience socio-economic barriers to obtaining post-secondary education.
Tom Warden, Lakehead University’s athletic director, spoke about how successful this program has been in eliminating barriers to attending university and attaining a degree. “This extremely important program helps open doors and remove barriers to deciding on a university degree,” said Warden. “The program connects youth with athletics and recreation and provides a welcoming environment that allows youth to be comfortable at Lakehead University,” he shared.
The Achievement program offers students who otherwise would be unable to pursue post-secondary education, the chance to do so. The decision as to who is able to attend ActiveU, is made by both school boards, who choose eligible schools based on socio-economic status and families self enrol.
The way in which the program works is that children in Grades 4 to 12, participate in specific programming each year, in their school, in their community and at Lakehead University. In return, the student earns financial support to attend Lakehead University, once they graduate from high school.
This year, 60 students visited the campus from four different elementary schools.
“The Achievement Program at Lakehead University opens doors and creates opportunities for students that would otherwise not exist,” said Maria Vasanelli, “It’s visionary and helps young students start on a track moving forward,” Vasanelli added.
Nicole Morden Cormier stated “The school board values this partnership with Lakehead University. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the achievement program to provide equity of access to post-secondary education and provide students with the skills needed to achieve academic success,” Cormier added.
Lakehead University’s Achievement Program coordinator, was pleased to see signs of excitement and happiness on the faces of the students who participated in the organized activities that day.
“I’m so excited to host our students on campus this year,” Amanda Stefanile said. "The smiles on the kids' faces as they participate in recreational, educational and cultural programming is the highlight for me. I really want to thank Lakehead's faculty and staff for their assistance in providing hands-on programming for our students," added Stefanile.
