Lakehead University and the Keewatin Patricia District School Board are working together to help more students go to university through their new Achievement Program.
Before the they signed a memorandum of understanding this past week, Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Moira McPherson said it’s all about the kids.
“Today is about hope and opportunity. It’s about young students, and offering them hope and an opportunity to realize their dreams of going to university,” McPherson said.
The Achievement Program starts in grade four and helps eligible students earn financial support towards their first year at Lakehead.
At the moment, only eligible students from Sioux Mountain Public School in Sioux Lookout will be participating.
KPDSB Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand said it offers plenty of opportunities for students to visit the school.
“They’ve experimented in the nursing lab, they’ve gone to the astronomy lab, they’ve built structures, they’ve tried out engineering, all kinds of different careers and possibilities for them to begin to dream about,” she explained.
Jill Dunlop is the Minister of Colleges and Universities and pointed out Lakehead and the KPDSB are taking important steps to increase access to post-secondary education.
“By removing some of the financial and other barriers to higher education, we are helping young learners onto the path of education, training, and skills building they need to start rewarding careers, helping to recognize their potential, and contributing to a stronger community,” Dunlop said.
The KPDSB has schools in the communities of Kenora, Sioux Narrows, Vermilion Bay, Ear Falls, Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Pickle Lake, Savant Lake and Upsala, and serves many neighbouring and far north First Nation communities.
