A new Brock University program will give high school students the opportunity to spend two weeks at Brock tuition free.
The summer has arrived, but school is about to begin for a select group of Niagara high school students.
Brock’s University Preparation Program (UPP) is a two-week, tuition-free summer experience for students who may not typically be interested in pursuing post-secondary education. It’s more than just a summer camp, though. The UPP participants will have access to support and services from Brock University through the rest of their high school careers.
Research has shown that certain segments of the population are less likely to continue their education beyond secondary school. Among other factors, these under-represented groups include youths who: have parents with no post-secondary education; come from a lower income family; live in a rural area; identify as Aboriginal; or have a disability.
Students participating in the two-week Brock UPP sessions were identified by their schools or social service agencies as having the potential to succeed at university, but who may not see post-secondary as a viable option because of some of the perceived barriers mentioned above.
The students come from Fort Erie, Welland, St Catharines, Lincoln and Niagara Falls and range in age from those entering Grades 10 to 12 in the fall.
“The UPP program intervenes during the critical high school years when young people are having to make important choices that will impact their future,” said Youth University Director Kate Cassidy. “This experience will provide participants with the opportunity to build relationships with university student mentors, become comfortable with the culture and ways of post-secondary, and get a sense of what their future might look like at university”.
The first of four UPP sessions begins Monday, July 6 with programs involving career and post-secondary preparation workshops, recreation, leadership training and volunteer work.
After the program is finished, all of the UPP participants will receive access to support and services from Brock University throughout their remaining high school careers.
During their two weeks at Brock, the students will:
– Developing transferable skills, learn about leadership styles, work on communication and presentation skills, build conflict management strategies, explore interests, and begin to build a professional portfolio
– Experience hands-on activities in manufacturing, life sciences, green and digital technology to talk about career options
– Take part in in recreational activities such as our Olympic-sized pool and high ropes challenge course
– Participate in an on-campus community service project
– Meet with Brock’s Student Development Centre, Student Awards and Financial Aid Office, Student Life and Community Experience, Recreation Services, the Student Union, Career Services, the Department of Residences, and Brock’s Off Campus Living Office
– Visit the Goodman School of Business’ BioLinc, the Centre for Lifespan Development Research, and the Centre for Digital Humanities
– Learn about the emerging sectors from guest speakers such as David Evans of Phantom Compass, a Brock graduate who has used his passion and transferable skills to become an entrepreneur in the field of digital media and video game design, and Becky Oehler from Walker Industries to learn how university prepared her for a career in Green Technologies
