Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Early University Experience
Algoma University celebrated the graduation of 31 students from the Learners Early Access Program (LEAP) during a special ceremony at Brampton City Hall. As the third graduating cohort from this innovative program, the milestone highlights the ongoing success of the LEAP in providing equity-deserving high school students with a transformative bridge to higher education.
Launched in September 2023, LEAP is a partnership between Algoma University, the Peel District School Board (PDSB), and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB). The program offers Grade 11 and 12 students the opportunity to earn Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and university credits, career-oriented micro-credentials, and hands-on learning experiences. Designed to serve historically underrepresented groups in higher education–including Indigenous and Black students–LEAP represents an important pathway to post-secondary success.
The Fall 2024 LEAP cohort’s celebration underscores the program’s transformative impact. Students graduate equipped with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to excel in university and beyond. Algoma University, PDSB, and DPCDSB remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering these opportunities and expanding access to higher education for future cohorts.
Graduates of the program are also eligible for the LEAP Bursary, a $6,000 grant distributed over the student’s first two years at Algoma University. As one of Canada’s top universities for scholarships and bursaries, Algoma University reinforces its commitment to increasing access to post-secondary education and fostering student success.
Visit the LEAP website for more information on the program and other initiatives at Algoma University.
To view photos from this event, please click here.
Quotes:
“This celebration is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to support students throughout their educational journey. We are incredibly proud of this graduating cohort and the transformative partnership between Algoma University, PDSB, and DPCDSB, which continues to open doors and create pathways to post-secondary success.”
- Dave Trudelle, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs, Algoma University
“Congratulations on your achievements at LEAP this semester. It is an absolute pleasure being part of the LEAP Team and having the opportunity to learn alongside this fine group of secondary students. I thank you for sharing your academic journey with me and taking the first of many leaps, I suspect, into your post-secondary future.”
- Julie Tidman, Director/ Principal of the Learners Early Access Program (LEAP)
“The dedication and hard work behind LEAP have been truly transformative, equipping our secondary school students with the skills and mindset needed for life beyond graduation. It’s been incredible to witness the growing sense of energy and possibility within them – there is a shared belief that everything is within reach. As the students step into post-secondary environments, they’ll do so with the confidence and preparation to fully embrace the opportunities ahead. This is the vision we have always had for them, and seeing it come to life is nothing short of inspiring.”
- Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education, Peel District School Board (PSDB)
“We are so very pleased and proud of the DPCDSB students who have displayed such tremendous growth and achievement through LEAP. We congratulate them and collectively stand with them as they continue to move forward on their education journey. May God continue to bless them and inspire them to do great things!”
- Dr. Marianne Mazzoratio, Director of Education, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB)
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