Lakehead University's ActiveU staff hosted around 60 students from the Superior North Catholic District School Board and the Superior-Greenstone District School Board on Thursday, June 9 as part of the annual Achievement Program Day on Campus.
Tom Warden and Amanda Stefanile spoke to students about the Achievement Program while a special guest, Wolfie, snuck up behind them.
Lakehead started the Achievement Program in 2011 to help students obtain a post-secondary education.
The Achievement Program is Lakehead University's commitment to supporting access to post-secondary education by providing an opportunity to potential future students who experience socioeconomic barriers to obtaining post-secondary education.
"This extremely important program helps open doors and remove barriers to deciding on a university degree," said Tom Warden, Lakehead University's Athletics Director.
"The program connects youth with athletics and recreation and provides a welcoming environment that allows youth to feel comfortable at Lakehead University."
The Achievement Program offers children who might otherwise not have been able to attend University the opportunity to experience it. School boards choose eligible schools based on socioeconomic status and families self enrol.
Children in grades 4-12 participate in programming yearly in their school, community and at Lakehead University, and in return earn financial support for Lakehead University once they graduate high school.
Approximately 60 students visited 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, Director of Education at the Superior North Catholic District School Board.
"It's visionary and helps young students start on a track moving forward," Vasanelli added.
Nicole Morden Cormier, Director of Education for Superior-Greenstone District School Board, said the school board values this partnership with Lakehead University.
ActiveU counsellor Dan Chiappetta participated in a fun game of dodgeball with students on June 9.
"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," she said.
Amanda Stefanile, Achievement Program Coordinator, said she was happy to have students back on campus for the day.
"I'm so excited to host our students on campus this year," 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."
Achievement Program Day on Campus had students exploring campus through educational activities offered by ActiveU, the School of Kinesiology, Let's Talk Science, and Indigenous Initiatives.
