Trafalgar Castle School, an independent school for girls in Whitby, and Ontario Tech University, Canada's number one undergraduate research university in Oshawa, have entered into a new partnership that ensures alignment in supporting students who pursue STEM-related studies in their post-secondary journey.
Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University (front left) and Melissa Knight-Johnson, Head of School, Trafalgar Castle School (front right) sign partnership agreement (November 19, 2024).
Melissa Knight-Johnson, the Head of School at Trafalgar Castle School, and Dr. Steven Murphy, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario Tech University, signed the official agreement that creates a seamless path for senior students at Trafalgar Castle School to succeed in post-secondary studies at Ontario Tech.
Trafalgar Castle School students attended the celebration along with their Technology Teacher, Penny Senior. They were joined by Ontario Tech representatives Dr. Andrew Hogue, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology, and Jess Hogue from the university's Office of the Registrar.
This partnership enhances each school's commitment to creating new learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) and includes a wide range of shared activities, including:
- Guest speakers from Ontario Tech sharing their insights in STEM-related topics with Trafalgar students and faculty.
- Shared professional development opportunities.
- Reciprocal teaching observations to ensure teachings and supports are aligned.
- Experiential learning opportunities for students.
- Introduction to new technologies.
- Granting students priority access to Ontario Tech University's Preparation Program.
- Providing students with access to micro-credential courses that focus on leadership,
- Guaranteed admission to undergraduate programming for all Trafalgar Castle School students who apply to Ontario Tech.
- Three $2,000 Ontario Tech University scholarships provided annually to Trafalgar Castle School graduates who enrol in an undergraduate program at the university (effective September 2025).
Quotes
"Ontario Tech University is proud to collaborate with valued community partners like Trafalgar Castle School to provide young women with expanded opportunities to explore STEM-related disciplines early in their academic journeys. We look forward to welcoming Trafalgar students to our campus, where they can explore STEM education, discover potential career paths, and further develop their skills and knowledge through our micro-credential offerings. We need more talented young women breaking scientific barriers."
-Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University"Trafalgar Castle School is committed to fostering innovation and empowering students at our school for girls to excel in male-dominated fields like STEM and in the real world by equipping them with future-ready competencies. We're thrilled to build upon that commitment and competencies by partnering with renowned post-secondary institutions like Ontario Tech University. This collaboration will provide our students with invaluable opportunities to advance their skill sets in science, technology, math, engineering and art, nurture their passion in these fields, and prepare them for success in their post-secondary studies at Ontario Tech."
-Melissa Knight-Johnson, Head of School, Trafalgar Castle School
