By Mariah Brough, post-graduate Public Relations student and 2014 Loyalist Business graduate
On Tuesday, December 16, high school students from Peterborough and surrounding areas will experience a “Taste of College” at Loyalist. About 120 students in Grades 9 through 12 will participate in the event, which will introduce them to College life, learning in a small classroom environment and a selection of hands-on, program-focused activities to pique their curiosity.
Students can try out their baking skills and make treats in the culinary lab, gather clues and solve a crime with the justice studies programs, or grab an iPad and engage in a business strategy simulation game. Those who have doodled their dream home might try their hand at SketchUp and see what their architectural designs look like in 3D, or learn to measure, cut and build a roof truss using the tools of the trade. Students can also visit the Human Simulation Lab to observe and practise treating wounds on interactive mannequins, learn to give nail treatments in The Spa at Loyalist, write and record their own radio commercial, or choose from a host of other exciting hands-on activities.
Loyalist offers a variety of informative programs for high school students that promote a positive attitude towards learning and give them a chance to explore the opportunities available through post-secondary education. One of these is Let’s Talk Science.
Let’s Talk Science is a charitable organization that focuses on education to support youth development. Its unique outreach programs are held in more than 40 colleges and universities across Canada. Participants have the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops and develop essential problem-solving, decision-making and employability skills. The program will be presented during the Taste of College event in Loyalist’s bioscience labs, which are home to programs in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technician/Technologist.
This year, high school students will learn how to perform DNA extractions and gel electrophoresis. Students in Loyalist’s three bioscience programs will lead the hands-on activities, providing them with a chance to improve their teaching and communication skills while deepening their subject knowledge.
This innovative programming is used to engage youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—the so-called “STEM” subjects. Many students enjoy science, but they often don’t see how it can benefit them in their ideal career. Jobs that are linked to science, technology, engineering and math are on the rise. This program helps students connect the dots between pursuing STEM skills and achieving their goals.
“Let’s Talk Science is a great way for students to learn about science in fun and engaging ways,” says Robyn Neri, Let’s Talk Science Site Coordinator for Loyalist College. “I’ve always loved science myself, and our volunteers are ecstatic to share that passion with students.”
Funding for the Taste of College event is provided jointly by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities through the School-College-Work Initiative. To find out more about the hands-on learning opportunities at Loyalist, including diploma and certificate programs starting this January, visit loyalistcollege.com.