Experiential learning fosters innovation and practical problem-solving in Brampton community
Algoma University students drive meaningful change through a unique partnership with Grace Court Senior Citizens Apartments. This November, students from the University’s Brampton campus Managing the Not-for-Profit Organization and Marketing Concepts courses presented community-focused fundraising projects, culminating in a semester-long collaboration.
Under the guidance of Professor Shahrukh Khan, the initiative encouraged students to bridge classroom concepts with real-world challenges. By working in teams, they crafted targeted strategies to address Grace Court’s specific needs, focusing on key areas such as marketing, community engagement, and operational strategy.
“This partnership provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to bridge theory and practice,” said Professor Shahrukh Khan. “Our goal is for students to gain more than just a grade. They leave with experience, professional connections, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully in their future careers. For students, it’s an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, and for the community, it’s a chance to gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.”
Students from Professor Farhan Ahmed’s Marketing Concepts course also collaborated with Grace Court Senior Citizen Apartments on an inspiring project that brought academic learning into real-world scenarios. Tasked with designing marketing campaigns for various signature events, the students presented their concepts to Grace Court’s board members. This experience was a valuable opportunity for the students to showcase their professionalism and demonstrate the impact of experiential learning in building practical skills.
For the students, the experience extended well beyond a standard academic assignment. It provided an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals, test their skills, and see their proposals be considered for real-world implementation.
As Algoma University continues to expand its commitment to experiential learning, partnerships like the one with Grace Court showcase the transformative power of collaboration. By bridging education with community impact, these initiatives empower students to apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-world settings while providing organizations with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Together, they create a foundation for mutual growth and lasting impact.
Algoma University is deeply committed to supporting the Brampton community through the expansion and increased access to education via project-based community initiatives.
Quotes:
“It was an incredible opportunity to grow and learn while working on the Grace Court presentation. As a result of this I strengthened the skills of teamwork, communication and problem solving; skills required for delivering a successful presentation. In addition, I got a lot of hands-on experience with time management, adaptability, and the tough art of conflict resolution. Overall, this project is what gave me the confidence required to accomplish what I have now and prepare me for future academic and professional challenges.”
Nitish Nitish Graduate Certificate, Human Resource & Business Management
“Working on the Grace Court project gave me a deeper understanding of community services. It helped me improve my teamwork and public speaking skills, as well as enhance my event planning abilities. Additionally, this project allowed me to learn about the challenges faced by non-profit organizations and how we can address them. I also understood the importance of community engagement.”
Janvi Sajeev, Bachelor of Business Administration
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April cohort (News article)
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