Dream It. Believe It. Achieve It.

The Achievement Program is Lakehead University's committment to supporting access to post-secondary education by providing an opportunity to potential future students who experience socioeconomic barriers to obtaining post-secondary education.

"It’s about giving young people the opportunity to realize their dreams."

How the Program Works:

Lakehead University partners with local and regional school boards to enroll students in grade four who face socioeconomic barriers to postsecondary education.Students continue with the program until grade twelve, and they have annual opportunities to earn financial support by completing specific requirements at their school, community and Lakehead University.

Upon completion of a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate, the accrued financial support will fund each participant's first year at Lakehead University (to the equivalent of first year tuition and ancillary fees to an undergraduate program of their choice). Participants can also use this financial support for other education-related expenses.

In addition to meeting specific annual requirements, students and their families are also provided with year-round programming and support. The program initially connects with students through sports and recreation as a fun and welcoming way to come to campus, and then provides a window to main campus to dream big!

The Achievement Program helps students build confidence and provides them with the tools to pursue their dreams.

Read the 2023-2024 Family Report

"The Achievement Program has been like a family to me, everyone is so inclusive. It helped me as a high school student to become more involved with the university, having friendly faces that work with the university have been very helpful for navigating the new campus and courses. Being apart of the Achievement Program has encouraged me to partake in events around the university as a current university student.”

- Nevaeh Rae, First Year Indigenous Education & Completion of Indigenous Transition Year Program (May 2023)

Your support of the Achievement Program ensures Lakehead University can provide access to post-secondary education, as well as provide students with yearly programming that builds the confidence and skills needed to achieve academic success on their educational journey.

Through early engagement and encouragement of regular academic, recreational and community engagement, school and family-based support systems, and a familiarity with Lakehead University from an early age, our hope is that students in our program will perceive post-secondary education as achieveable and accessible.

Participating Students and their Families are Provided with:

Mentorship

The Achievement Program will assist in providing athletic and Achievement Program mentors for in-school and on-campus events to continue to build relationships and community with our students and their families.

We are now seeing our Achievement Program students graduate high school and come to university.  Those students, along with other Lakehead students will join our mentorship program to continue to connect with youth in meaningful ways.

Financial Literacy & Pathway Sessions

To provide families and students with additional support, the Achievement Program, in collaboration with Lakehead University offers sessions that include, but is not limited to the following:

• Career & Undergraduate Pathway Exploration
• Financial Support information (OSAP, bursaries, etc.)
• Application assistance
• Overview of student support services on campus - Student Central, Student Success, Indigenous Cultural Support Services, Student Accessibility, etc.

Yearly Programming

The Achievement Program Coordinator arranges for athlete mentors and staff to provide hands-on activities to students enrolled in the program at their school twice a year. This allows for continuous connection with the students and Lakehead University. In addition, students and their families will be invited to our special Day on Campus each year along with other special events.

The Day on Campus provides students with a day filled with recreational, educational and cultural programming on campus. Students wil have the opportunity to meet various athletes, professors and staff who will provide hands-on programming in a variety of areas.

Achievement Program Donor Impact Report

Please use the button below to view the 2023-2024 Impact Report for Lakehead University’s Achievement Program. The information in this report demonstrates the importance of investing in youth and creating year-round opportunities for personal and academic growth. Thank you for your commitment.

Read the 2023-2024 Achievement Program donor impact report

Achievement Program Video: