ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Algonquin College student receives $1,500 Colleges and Institutes Canada climate leader bursary

Algonquin College is pleased to announce that Environmental Technician student McKenzie Mitchell has been awarded a $1,500 Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) ImpAct Climate Challenge bursary for his efforts as a student climate leader.

Mitchell's project, establishing a Miyawaki Forest at the Pembroke Campus is based on the Miyawaki method, originating from Japan. This focuses on afforestation in urban spaces using native trees and plant species in dense plantings to maximize growth and carbon sequestration. 

CICan ImpAct Climate Challenge bursaries recognize exceptional student climate action leaders and award $1,500 to student climate action leaders.

Earlier this year, CICan held their ImpAct Climate Challenge, where college students from across Canada participated in various online learning challenges. Based on the level of participation, Algonquin College received an institutional award to support a student climate leader. Mitchell is the recipient of that award.

"Supporting wildlife is my passion and a collective action project in our backyard' was exactly the kind of project I was hoping to be involved in coming to Algonquin," said Mitchell. "I would love to take everything I've learned during my diploma and participation on the Miyawaki project and apply it in many different spaces around the province, or even further. The phrase think global, act local' has always been a personal motto of mine that's stuck with me throughout the years. I look forward to the day I can (return) and visit the forest and see how (much) it's grown."

"It was truly rewarding to be part of his vision, and, along with other faculty and students, to help him see it through to fruition," said Environmental Technician program coordinator Kristi Beatty. "It's a great feeling to be part of such a grass-roots initiative. Especially one that has such potential longevity and local impact!  McKenzie deserves every bit of recognition he has received - he was the main driver in obtaining the grant funds and planting materials, organizing the public meeting, and laying out the planting concept - and he was there for every bit of the 'getting dirty' part too!"

Algonquin College students are encouraged to make an impact in their community by creating, leading or participating in a Climate Challenge close to home.