Lakehead University is launching a new $2-million fundraising goal to expand the reach and impact of its Achievement Program, with a significant commitment from the Alumni Association of Lakehead University helping kick-start the campaign.
The campaign builds on more than $1 million raised over the past five years and will support the program's continued growth across Northwestern Ontario and future expansion into Simcoe County. The Alumni Association is building early momentum with a $64,517 commitment.
"As Lakehead alumni, we know firsthand how education can change the direction of someone's life," said Alumni Association President Paul Popo-Ola. "We want young people to know that Lakehead can be a place for them, too. Supporting the Achievement Program is an investment in those students and in the communities they will one day help lead and strengthen."
The Achievement Program provides long-term support for equity-deserving youth who face barriers to postsecondary education. Beginning in Grade 4 and continuing through Grade 12, students participate in programming in their schools, on Lakehead's campus, and in the community, building confidence, developing skills, and becoming familiar with the opportunities available through postsecondary education.
"The Achievement Program reflects what we believe deeply at Lakehead University: that education should be within reach for every young person," said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. "By building relationships with students from an early age, we can help them discover what is possible, build confidence, and help them see themselves as belonging at university. We want to create those opportunities for even more young people."
In 2025-26, the program reached 500 students from 45 schools across six school boards in Northwestern Ontario. Eight Achievement Program graduates have attended Lakehead University since 2020. Three more participants are expected to begin their studies at Lakehead this September.
Through the Achievement Program, young people engage in recreational programming, hands-on learning, mentorship, cultural programming, leadership development, and opportunities to experience university life.
"One of the strengths of the Achievement Program is that we start building those connections early through sport and recreation, and stay with students throughout their journey," said Amanda Stefanile, Achievement Program Manager. "For many of our students, their first experience at Lakehead happens in athletics, years before they are thinking about applying to university. They get to explore the campus, meet new friends, and discover what they're capable of. Our hope is that over time, our campus becomes a very familiar space where they can picture themselves going to school."
Friday's celebration allowed donors to engage directly with students taking part in the Achievement Program's summer camp, seeing the impact of their support firsthand. As the program enters its next stage, Lakehead's goal is not simply to reach more students, but to continue building relationships with young people and their families over time and provide meaningful pathways into postsecondary education.
"When we talk about raising the next $2 million, we're really talking about what those dollars will make possible for the next generation of students," said Michael den Haan, Vice-President, University Advancement. "Every gift to the Achievement Program helps create opportunities for young people to discover what is possible for their future and to know there is a community behind them as they pursue it."
"Reaching this first milestone was possible because people believed in this program and decided to give. We are incredibly grateful for that support, and we're excited to build on that generosity as we begin this next chapter."
