THUNDER BAY – Dorothy Forneri is still a few years away from applying for university but over the past six years she has gotten an inside look at Lakehead University.
The 14-year-old is one of about 30 students involved in the university’s Achievement Program, an initiative for children and families with financial barriers to access post-secondary education.
“I definitely see this as part of my future,” she said. “It brings you closer to the university and sort of brings you in and shows you what you would be doing.”
Students in the program, which began in 2011, were hosted on campus on Thursday to participate in physical activity with ActiveU program, basic assessment with School of Nursing, tree samples with Faculty of Natural Resource Management and activity with Aboriginal Initiatives.
Program coordinator Amanda Stefanile said the students start in Grade 4 and continue until the end of high school, earning tuition credits along the way.
“In order to earn those tuition credits, they have to pass their class, participate in programming at their school or the community and also participate in events like (Thursday) on campus with Lakehead University,” Stefanile said.
“If they do each of those things each year, by the end of Grade 12 they’ll have the first year of an undergraduate degree at Lakehead University paid for.”
To select participants, the university has worked with the local school boards to identify and target areas of high need.
As early as Grade 4, many children begin to contemplate whether they will be pursuing post-secondary education, Stefanile said.
“If we can help plant the seed that a university education is absolutely attainable and we’re going to help you do that, I think it lights a fire in them,” Stefanile said.
The opportunities to work directly with different faculties can give a glimpse into each of the fields and help pave their future paths, she added.
Those chances are not taken for granted by the students.
“They’re really unique. They’re things you don’t get to do on an everyday basis at school,” Dorothy said. “It allows us to do things that we wouldn’t do if it weren’t for the program.”
Having students involved in the program for nearly a decade lets university staff see them progress every year.
“I’ve seen these kids grow up since they were in Grade 4,” Stefanile said. “Just having their confidence on campus and believing in themselves and providing them with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have is really unique to be a part of that. I think we’re gaining a lot of self-confidence in the students.”
