At risk youth in the London community will be the centre of attention this weekend as The University of Western Ontario’s Early Outreach Committee is organizing its annual Choose Your Own Adventure May 6-8.
Targeting Grade 8 students, the goal of the student-led conference is to allow young students to assess post-secondary opportunities, instil confidence in these students, and to develop the vital skills necessary for the leaders of tomorrow.
In particular, the early outreach program aims to prepare students for the paths and challenges which may arise in the future, and provide them with the information and skills necessary to appropriately address these issues.
Entering its fourth year, the conference is focused on post-secondary educational pathways and targets young students who are under-represented in the post-secondary education system or who may not be informed about post secondary opportunities. Participants enjoy mentorship from select Western students trained in working with youth, workshops to develop interpersonal and leadership skills, and guest speakers to inform them about post secondary opportunities in an engaging way.
“The importance of early outreach initiatives has become increasingly noticeable at both the post-secondary and government levels,” says Cassie Anton, Early Outreach Commissioner. “With the advent of programs such as Choose Your Own Adventure, we are able to build stronger communities together.”
The conference also provides confidence-building activities, information and resources about post-secondary opportunities, and an opportunity to share their knowledge with their families through a closing banquet.