We're Off to the Gala!

Education for Sustainable Development Gala
Posted on 03/29/2016

In September 2015, The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board launched a brand new program for students who knew they wanted to pursue a post-secondary education but were unsure of what path to follow or those needing to improve marks or their financial situation. There were three streams that this program offered: Applied Social Research, Environmental Inquiry & Sustainability in Action, and Engineering Science. This post-secondary program has garnered quite a lot of attention as it is the first of its kind and offers a very unique learning experience for participants. Students receive a hands-on learning experience, undertake real-world inquiry projects, participate in community service work, and build their theoretical knowledge.

Students in the Environmental Inquiry & Sustainability in Action program were able to participate in the Our Canada Project. This project was started by Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) to encourage youth to develop environmental, social, economic and/or culturally focused projects that contribute to more sustainable communities. Capstone students, who are trained ambassadors for the Our Canada Project, were given the opportunity to travel to local schools to teach students in Grades 4 to 6 about sustainability and to help facilitate student-initiated class projects. They visited seven classes at five local schools, and each class came up with a new and exciting idea for their schools or communities.

LSF is hosting their 14th annual Education for Sustainable Development gala in May, and has invited Capstone instructor, Jeff Cole, and two students from the Environmental Inquiry & Sustainability in Action program to speak about their experience with the Our Canada Project. This is a very special honour as 80 key leaders from business, government, academia, civil society and the education sector will be attending this gala.