The Achievement Program is Lakehead University's committment to
supporting access to post-secondary education by providing an opportunity
to potential future students who experience socioeconomic barriers to
obtaining post-secondary education.

"It’s about giving young people the opportunity to realize their
dreams."

How the Program Works:

Lakehead University partners with local and regional school boards
to enroll students in grade four who face socioeconomic barriers to
postsecondary education.Students continue with the program until
grade twelve, and they have annual opportunities to earn financial support
by completing specific requirements at their school, community and
Lakehead University.

Upon completion of a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate,
the accrued financial support will fund each participant's first year at
Lakehead University (to the equivalent of first year tuition and ancillary
fees to an undergraduate program of their choice). Participants
can also use this financial support for other education-related
expenses.

In addition to meeting specific annual requirements, students and
their families are also provided with year-round programming and support.
The program initially connects with students through sports and recreation
as a fun and welcoming way to come to campus, and then provides a window
to main campus to dream big!

The Achievement Program helps students build confidence and provides them
with the tools to pursue their dreams.

Read the 2023-2024 Family Report

"The Achievement Program has been like a family to me, everyone is so inclusive. It helped me as a high school student to become more involved with the university, having friendly faces that work with the university have been very helpful for navigating the new campus and courses. Being apart of the Achievement Program has encouraged me to partake in events around the university as a current university student.”

- Nevaeh Rae, First Year Indigenous Education & Completion of Indigenous Transition Year Program (May 2023)

Your support of the Achievement Program ensures Lakehead University can
provide access to post-secondary education, as well as provide
students with yearly programming that builds the confidence and skills
needed to achieve academic success on their educational journey.

Through early engagement and encouragement of regular academic,
recreational and community engagement, school and family-based support
systems, and a familiarity with Lakehead University from an early age,
our hope is that students in our program will perceive post-secondary
education as achieveable and accessible.

Participating Students and their Families are Provided with:

Mentorship

The Achievement Program will assist in providing athletic and Achievement
Program mentors for in-school and on-campus events to continue to build
relationships and community with our students and their families.

We are now seeing our Achievement Program students graduate high school
and come to university.  Those students, along with other Lakehead
students will join our mentorship program to continue to connect with
youth in meaningful ways.

Financial Literacy & Pathway Sessions

To provide families and students with additional support, the Achievement
Program, in collaboration with Lakehead University offers sessions that
include, but is not limited to the following:

• Career & Undergraduate Pathway Exploration
• Financial Support information (OSAP, bursaries, etc.)
• Application assistance
• Overview of student support services on campus - Student Central,
  Student Success, Indigenous Cultural Support Services, Student
  Accessibility, etc.

Yearly Programming

The Achievement Program Coordinator arranges for athlete mentors and
staff to provide hands-on activities to students enrolled in the program
at their school twice a year. This allows for continuous connection
with the students and Lakehead University. In addition, students and
their families will be invited to our special Day on Campus each year
along with other special events.

The Day on Campus provides students with a day filled with recreational,
educational and cultural programming on campus. Students wil have
the opportunity to meet various athletes, professors and staff who will
provide hands-on programming in a variety of areas.

Achievement Program Donor Impact Report

Please use the button below to view the 2023-2024 Impact Report for
Lakehead University’s Achievement Program. The information in this report
demonstrates the importance of investing in youth and creating year-round
opportunities for personal and academic growth. Thank you for your
commitment.

Read the 2023-2024 Achievement Program donor impact report

Achievement Program Video: