In an intimate ceremony, Algoma University, in partnership with the Peel District School Board (PDSB) and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), celebrated the second cohort of graduates from the newly launched Learners Early Access Program (LEAP).
This free program, launched in September 2023, provides a bridge from high school to university for equity-deserving students, including Indigenous and Black students. Held at Algoma University’s Brampton campus, the LEAP initiative allows Grade 11 and 12 students to earn OSSD and university credits, career-oriented micro-credentials, and hands-on learning experiences.
To further bolster the educational journey of the LEAP students, Algoma University offers the LEAP Bursary, a $6,000 grant distributed over the first two years of university for each LEAP alum attending Algoma University. Algoma University ranks among the top two Canadian universities for scholarships and bursaries, reflecting its core commitment to changing lives by increasing access to university education.
Quotes
Asima Vezina, President and Vice-chancellor, Algoma University
“LEAP aims to support historically underrepresented groups in higher education, ensuring students are well-prepared for future success. It’s really exciting to celebrate over 40 local high school students who walked the stage today, almost all of whom have applied to university for fall 2024. Through partnerships with PDSB, DPCDSB and programs like LEAP, Algoma U gives students the confidence to succeed.”
Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education, Peel District School Board
“It is wonderful to see this partnership and LEAP continue to flourish, while providing secondary students with a transformational opportunity to access and experience a post-secondary education, while in High School. I’ve seen the incredible impact this program has had on our students since its launch in September 2023. PDSB has been on a unique quest to provide students with access, exposure, and experiences that can put students in a competitively advantageous position upon graduation, and our partnership with Algoma University and LEAP is a perfect example of our commitment to that mission.”
Marianne Mazzorato, Ed.D., Director of Education, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
“We’re so very pleased that 19 DPCDSB students have graduated from the LEAP program and are confident that their experience will translate to further success as they pursue their post-secondary education.”
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