This summer has been about more than gaining work experience for Brock students — it has been about building confidence and preparing for their careers while making a difference in the lives of others.

Those experiences were made possible by the federal government’s Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program, which supported several meaningful employment opportunities at Brock that aligned with both students’ career goals and the University’s strategic priorities.

Six students worked in key roles in Recruitment, the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI), Student Life and Success (SLS), Summer Camps and Co-op, Career and Experiential Education.

Critical Sociology master’s student Ally Negus (BA ’25) landed a job as a Student Life Assistant with SLS thanks to the CSJ program. As a former Residence Life employee and participant in many Student Life activities and initiatives over the years, Negus says she was eager to step into a role serving students who want to engage with volunteering, leadership and community.

Chris Bittle (centre), Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, recently visited with students working at Brock through Canada Summer Jobs —including Ally Negus (BA ’25), seen to his right with Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning Rajiv Jhangiani — to talk about his career journey and learn about the valuable work the students have undertaken this summer.

One of her primary responsibilities has been supporting the BEGIN@Brock program, hosting incoming students for an overnight orientation through activities like photo scavenger hunts on campus and excursions in downtown St. Catharines to help new students get excited about the coming year.

It’s meaningful work that is also tied to her graduate thesis research.

“I’m researching first-year university students at Brock who are living away from home for the first time from a mental health perspective,” she says. “Working in Residence Life for four years, I gained a lot of hands-on experience with the topic, so I really want highlight the student perspective.”

For third-year Concurrent Teacher Education student Emily Poole, working as an Inclusion Facilitator for the Brock Partner Program at Brock Summer Camps has helped her build professional skills and fueled her drive to prepare for a career teaching at the primary and junior level (kindergarten to Grade 3).

In her CSJ role, Poole works one-on-one with young campers to provide assistance with their accessibility needs.

Poole says her main goal is to ensure all children can participate fully in camp at Brock and have a meaningful — and fun — summer experience that will continue fostering a sense of belonging long after camp is over.

Her work starts with reviewing camp programming before youth arrive on campus to assess if any changes or accommodations will be needed based on camper profiles. The Inclusion Facilitators also tour families around campus prior to camp, which can help ease any anxiety about being in a new place.

“Once camp begins, we help campers interpret instructions, provide physical assistance if needed, support social interactions and make sure they’re able to do all the activities within their program,” Poole says.

Not only has the role helped Poole develop practical strategies she will apply in her teaching career, she says it’s also reinforced the importance of approaching every child as an individual and that “seeing their unique strengths has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.”

“The professional growth for students, coupled with the positive impact of their work, is exactly why the Government of Canada funds the Canada Summer Jobs program,” says Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, who attended a roundtable discussion with Brock CSJ students on July 27 at the University.

“It’s inspiring to see these motivated students sharpen their professional skill sets across their various fields while enhancing experiences for members of the Brock and wider community,” he says.

Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning Rajiv Jhangiani, who oversees several units involved in the CSJ program, says he was delighted to attend the roundtable discussion.

“The professional and personal gains students have made in these skill-building roles as a result of Canada Summer Jobs is invaluable not only to the Brock offices and community members who have benefitted from their skill and enthusiasm this summer, but also to all the future beneficiaries of the excellent work we can expect on the horizon from such a bright group of young people,” he says.