Students in the Educational Support program at St. Clair College have been busy completing their coursework, but took the time throughout the semester to raise funds for local partner organizations.
Students and faculty in the Educational Support program donate $200 to Autism Services Inc. in March 2025. (Kristopher Giachini/St. Clair College)
During the Winter semester, students raised funds to support local organizations which support students with exceptionalities and many of the program's College-level placements. A donation of $200 was made to the following organizations:
- Autism Services Inc.
- Greater Essex County District School Board
- Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board
- Family Respite Services
- John McGivney Children's Centre School
Students also ran a "Make and Take" event where they came into the College during March break to develop materials for the students they are supporting on placement.
The program also boasts an affiliated Educational Support Club, which helps complete many of the extra-curricular activities and fundraising efforts.
Kristopher Giachini is the president, Hanna Morris is the vice president, Angeline Agorilla is the treasurer, Brittany Babb serves as secretary and John Freer is the faculty advisor.
"Serving as president of the Educational Support Club for the past year and a half has been a role that I have cherished every moment of," said Giachini, noting the club's mission has historically been to fundraise to support students with exceptionalities.
"However, we modified this mission statement last month to 'supporting students with exceptionalities through community partnerships,' as we believe that our relationships with these amazing organizations are a crucial element in ensuring that the funds we raise reach the students and families who need it most," Giachini said. "Additionally, these organizations have been longtime supporters of the Educational Support program in terms of hiring our graduates and offering educational opportunities such as training and career pathway presentations."
"I encourage our students to be service-oriented by supporting organizations that educate students with special education needs in our community and beyond," said John Freer, a professor in the School of Community Studies. "It is a great way for students to be involved in the field they will be working in soon."
"The Educational Support Club has gone above and beyond this year, which has given us a unique opportunity to provide donations to five organizations, all of which support our program in various ways," Prof. Freer said. "It is nice to give back to them and to the community at large."
The Educational Support program is tailored for students interested in supporting children and adolescents with special needs in academic settings, preparing graduates to work in concert with education professionals in the classroom to maximize learning opportunities for exceptional students and their families.
The program also features placement opportunities in a variety of educational settings where students develop workplace skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.
