Algoma University is opening its doors to BIPOC high schoolers keen to jump into student life and build a strong sense of community on campus.
Peel District School Board (PDSB) and Algoma University teamed up last September to launch The Learners Early Access Program (LEAP).
The initiative seeks to forge a sense of belonging for historically underrepresented groups, including Black and Indigenous folk, on university campuses, and is a manifestation of the school’s overarching goal to cultivate cross-cultural education and propel positive social change.
The program introduces eligible Grade 11 and 12 pupils to a post-secondary environment at Algoma’s Brampton campus by enrolling them in university courses, alongside their regular school classes, for an entire high school semester.
“Because the students are situated at the university they really get an opportunity to sit in on courses, and get all the supports, so they can see how their first year would go, ask some questions, but also get a little bit of guidance,” Shanecia Elias, student wellbeing advisor for the LEAP program, told Now Toronto in an interview.
Through LEAP, students are able to see themselves represented through their colleagues, peers and each other, explained Elias.
“A lot of BIPOC students tend to face the issue of not feeling welcomed, or not feeling like they have a space for themselves, but because the [LEAP] program is specific to that demographic they’re surrounded with people who look like them and who might share some opinions and values with them,” Elias said.
LEAP not only offers curious students a glimpse into campus life, but allows them to figure out if higher education is for them.
Regardless of whether LEAP students choose to pursue a post-secondary degree, they will all notch a handful of transferable university credits during their time at Algoma that will help facilitate a comfortable transition from tentative high schooler to confident undergraduate, if they decide to enroll in university.
LEAP recently celebrated its first graduating class in which 90 per cent of the students were Black, and of the 22 graduating Grade 12 students, almost all applied to go to university in 2024; at least 16 of them will return to Algoma University as undergraduates.
Elias recalled a stand out success story from the recent cohort of LEAP graduates.
“We had one student who recently immigrated to Canada and he didn’t really know where he fit in, and when he joined the program he was able to gain a lot of friends, a lot of volunteer opportunities and network outside…he’s really settled into Canada well,” Elias said.
Furthermore, Algoma University President Asima Vezina recently announced the creation of a LEAP scholarship, which grants $6,000 to every LEAP student who goes on to take a Bachelor’s degree at Algoma University.
“The LEAP program is designed to build the confidence of local students and help them see they can thrive at university. And with courses like Unity virtual reality and app design, we’re getting them excited about how university education will lead to great jobs and bright futures,” Vezina said in a press release.
LEAP’s second cohort has already started at Algoma University’s Brampton campus, and includes students from the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must be full-time high school students aged 16 or older, have a minimum average of 80 per cent, meet Algoma’s language proficiency requirements and have an excellent letter of recommendation, from a teacher, guidance counselor or principal.
It’s free to enroll in the program and the university covers the cost of transportation to and from campus.
For more information about the LEAP programme click here.
