Lakehead University & Kenora Catholic District School Board sign MOU to launch Achievement Program for Grade 4 students
Lakehead University and the Kenora Catholic District School Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 21, officially launching the Achievement Program for Grade 4 students at St. John Paul II School in Kenora.
The virtual signing connected students, families, educators, Elders, and Lakehead representatives in Thunder Bay and Kenora to celebrate the expansion of the program. Ten Grade 4 students are joining the program this year, becoming the first group from Kenora Catholic District School Board to participate.
The Achievement Program is Lakehead University’s early-access initiative that helps expand opportunities and pathways to postsecondary education for equity-deserving students. Beginning in Grade 4, students participate in annual activities focused on recreation, academics, community involvement, and personal development. By the time they graduate high school, participants will have earned financial support that can be applied toward their first year of tuition and ancillary fees at Lakehead University—or other education-related expenses.
“The Achievement Program reflects Lakehead University’s deep commitment to access and opportunity for young people across Northwestern Ontario,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “We are thrilled to welcome Kenora Catholic District School Board as a new partner, and to support these students as they begin their journey toward future postsecondary success.”
Kenora Catholic District School Board is the sixth school board to partner with Lakehead through the program, joining Lakehead Public Schools, Thunder Bay Catholic D.S.B., Superior Greenstone D.S.B., Superior North Catholic D.S.B., and Keewatin-Patricia D.S.B.
The celebration included opening remarks, Elder opening and closing, wishes from Dr. Gillian Siddall and Jamey Robertson, an Achievement Program alumni message, and messages of encouragement from both communities for the students.
Launched in 2011, the Achievement Program partners with local and regional school boards to provide pathways to postsecondary education for students who may experience socioeconomic barriers. Students and their families also receive year-round programming and support, beginning with sports and recreation activities that help introduce young learners to campus life in a fun and welcoming way. By passing their grade and participating in programming at their school, community, and with Lakehead, students earn financial support to attend Lakehead.
The program currently supports approximately 500 students across six school boards and 45 schools. Seventy percent of participants self-identify as Indigenous. In May 2025, the program celebrated its first two Lakehead University graduates in the fields of Business and Nursing, with another 4 students who are currently attending Lakehead
Lakehead University is grateful to the many donors throughout the region who believe that the dream of post-secondary education should be open to all.
To learn more about the Achievement Program, visit: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/presidents-office/achievement-program
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Jamey Robertson, Director of Education, Kenora Catholic District School Board
“This partnership is an important opportunity for our students and families,” said Jamey Robertson, Director of Education at the Kenora Catholic District School Board. “The Achievement Program strengthens the connection between KCDSB and Lakehead University and supports students as they work toward the goals they hold for their future. We value this collaboration and look forward to the opportunities it will create in the years ahead.”
Tammy Bush, Principal of St. John Paul II School
“For our students and their families, today represents a future filled with new opportunities,” said Tammy Bush, Principal of St. John Paul II School. “The Achievement Program gives students a clear path toward post-secondary education and invites them to dream even bigger about what comes next. This is such an exciting moment for our school community, and I couldn’t be prouder of each student and their journey ahead.”
Chloe Fadden, Parent, St. John Paul II School
“We are incredibly proud. Living in a small town an hour away means our kids spend a lot of time commuting, and we sometimes worry about what they might miss. Opportunities like the Lakehead Achievement Program remind us why we make the trip. This is something we would not have access to otherwise, and we are so grateful. I also love how the program motivates students throughout their school years.”
Jade Fadden, Student, St. John Paul II School
“I’m excited to be part of the program. I really want to go to university, and one day I hope to be a baker because there is only one bakery in Sioux Narrows. Being chosen makes me feel excited for the future.”
Amanda Stefanile, Achievement Program Manager, Lakehead University
“Since its inception, the Achievement Program has built strong connections between Lakehead University and families across our region,” said Amanda Stefanile, Manager of the Achievement Program. “We’re excited to welcome students from Kenora Catholic into this growing community.”