Lacing Up for Success

Jumpstart Charities Breaks Down Barriers for Lakehead’s Achievement Program

The Achievement Program has received $47,000 in total gift contributions from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. This critical support is directly removing financial and physical barriers for youth across Northern Ontario–outfitting elementary students with new athletic footwear and funding essential summer camp experiences both on campus and in regional communities.

The Achievement Program addresses a deep, systemic need in Northern Ontario by combining mentorship, physical activity, academic exposure, and financial support. For many youth, physical activity is the first gateway to feeling confident on a university campus. By providing appropriate footwear, this allows students to participate in active learning and sport throughout the school year.

Stepping Forward Without Barriers

To solve this challenge, Jumpstart provided a $27,000 gift in November 2025 specifically designated to purchase brand-new running shoes for all 350 elementary-aged Achievement Program students. With the help of corporate family support from Sportchek, and working closely with superintendents and principals across six partner school boards, Amanda Stefanile, Achievement Program Manager, and Morgan Hill, Achievement Program Liaison Officer, were able to coordinate sizing, tracking and distribution of the shoes to students at their schools.

Shawnda Norlock, Superintendent of Education, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board explains, “Having proper footwear is essential for active learning. For many of our Achievement Program students, new, properly fitting shoes will directly remove a barrier to participation, supporting their physical wellness and overall equity within the school environment.”

The impact was felt immediately by families and children across the region:

“Chi-miigwetch for investing in our youth and for the care and compassion you show families in our community. Your support is felt and deeply appreciated.” - Achievement Program Parent

“Thank you Jumpstart for the opportunity of getting and being a part of getting new shoes. YAY!” - Jaxxon, Achievement Program Student

“My child is hard on his shoes and is growing quickly, this is one less thing to worry about!” - Achievement Program Parent

Fueling Summer Camps and Regional Reach

Building on this momentum, Jumpstart contributed an additional $20,000 gift in April 2026 to directly fund summer camp programming. Summer programming plays a central role in keeping students engaged year-round:

• Thunder Bay On-Campus Camps: Two one-week camps for students in grades 5–8 feature swimming, multi-sport activities (soccer, basketball, dodgeball, badminton), campus visits, and most importantly, healthy snacks and nutritious meals.
• Family Fun Day: Every summer camp wraps up with a family celebration on campus where students can participate in various activities and crafts together, also offering refreshments and free transportation so parents and caregivers feel welcomed into the Lakehead community.
• High School Leadership Series: A three-day workshop series focusing on recreational activities paired with leadership building, communication, career planning, and post-secondary pathway exploration.
• Expanded Regional Outreach: A dedicated two-day program hosted in Dryden designed specifically to support youth from Dryden, Kenora, and Sioux Lookout in partnership with local schools.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart funds cover essential operational costs, including meals, staffing, and free transportation for participants.

A Track Record of Lasting Community Impact

The Achievement Program primarily serves Indigenous (approximately 70%) and equity-deserving youth from Northwestern Ontario who face geographic challenges, financial pressures, and limited opportunities for recreational activities. Enrolled starting in grade 4, students remain in the program through grade 12, accruing financial support toward their university education by fulfilling annual school, community, and campus requirements.

Impact at a Glance

Current Reach: 500 youth across 47 schools and six school boards (expanding to 600 participants by 2026/27).

High School Graduation Rate: 95% of Achievement Program participants have graduated from high school since 2011 compared with a 2023 regional graduation rate of 63% for First Nations youth and 91% for non-Indigenous youth.

Post-Secondary Pathways: 65% of Achievement Program graduates are pursuing post-secondary education at Lakehead University or other colleges and universities, and the remaining 35% are employed or seeking other opportunities.

Cycle of Leadership: approximately 50% of enrolled/graduated students are employed as staff within the Achievement Program, giving back to the next generation.

By graduation, participants can earn up to their entire first year of tuition at Lakehead University. In 2025, the program celebrated its first two university graduates. Through sustained donor support from partners like Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Lakehead continues to prove that with the right access, equipment, and encouragement, the path to higher education is achievable for every student.

On Friday, Aug. 21, Achievement Program participants, donors, and community supporters will come together to celebrate the impact of the program and the opportunities it creates for youth. Through hands-on activities, personal stories, and shared experiences, guests will see firsthand how the program is helping participants build confidence, develop new skills, and envision a brighter future. The celebration will also mark an exciting new chapter for the Achievement Program, including a major gift announcement and the launch of a renewed fundraising effort to sustain and expand its impact for years to come.

We are deeply grateful to the donors who have helped make the Achievement Program’s impact possible. As the program grows, so does the need for its support. With continued and additional investment, we can provide essential opportunities and supports to students and their families throughout the school year and summer- helping them stay connected, active, engaged, and inspired year-round.

If you would like to give in support of the Achievement Program, you can visit: https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/giving/fund-project