Some of the brightest minds and ideas in Lethbridge were on full display today (Dec 5) as post-secondary students presented their community-focused projects at the City Scholars Student Symposium.
In its third year, the partnership program, City Scholars, is a collaboration between the City of Lethbridge, the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic. The program sees students transforming from learners into community builders through hands-on experience and professional development. The symposium is the final showcase for students to present their projects and celebrate their work during the fall semester.
While real-world experience and learning opportunities benefit students, the community also gets value from the program. When students are connected to the community, it opens the door to them staying after they've graduated.
"Student retention is a key topic when we talk to a variety of stakeholders in the city. We want to see the teachers, nurses, artists and business students call Lethbridge home after they've graduated," says Perry Stein, City of Lethbridge Partner Services Manager. "When you are involved and engaged in your community, you are more likely to put down roots and make it your home."
Through City Scholars, students gain insight into the workings of municipal government but also develop as engaged citizens and leaders. Some of the projects presented looked at issues facing the community, such as snow and ice control, public transit and even the upcoming municipal election.
"This City Scholars project has empowered me to apply my academic knowledge and skills to a real-world situation, deepening the bond between me as a student and as a community member," says Love Acojedo, student, University of Lethbridge. "It became a stepping stone towards my personal growth and has given me another perspective on how academic research within the University of Lethbridge brings about a change within the City of Lethbridge community. I am very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this program and to those who make it possible."
With lots of paths available to participate in the City Scholars program, students have flexibility in how they incorporate the experience into their studies. Some students participated through applied studies, cooperative education placements, internships or in their regular coursework.
"This past year has been an exciting and engaging experience working with the City Scholars program," said Natalie Barfuss, Business Instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic. "Many of my students have had many rewarding opportunities to see their work matter in a real-world context through feasibility analyses, opinion surveys on key city issues, and even presentations of their work at the symposium. This program has drawn them into their community and helped them feel connected to Lethbridge."
Erin Kennett, University of Lethbridge Work-Integrated Learning Instructor, says these programs and projects offer lots of benefits to students, partners and the wider community.
"The City Scholars Program embodies the collaborative spirit of Lethbridge," says Kennett. "It is more than a learning experience; it is a community-building initiative where students, municipal staff and academic partners come together to shape meaningful change. Through this partnership, students not only develop their professional and academic skills but also establish deeper connections with their community, laying the foundation for a vibrant, engaged and innovative Lethbridge."
City staff also enjoyed getting to know students while supporting them with their projects.
"The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive," says Stein. "Students bring a really fresh and valuable perspective to municipal government work and we look forward to continuing this program next semester."
University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic students who are interested in the City Scholars Program are encouraged to connect with their academic advisors.
