The number of middle-years schools involved with Career Trek.

 

Ten-year-old Gavin felt like Willy Wonka’s pal Charlie when he received a confirmation letter from Career Trek – his version of the prized golden ticket.

The second child in his family to take part in the career exploration program, Gavin saw how much fun his brother had the year before and knew he was in for a great experience.

“Gavin felt like he was going to the Chocolate Factory,” says his mother, Lesley. “He was just bubbling over with excitement.”

This enthusiasm continued as Gavin looked forward to the end of each school week – so he could head back to class come Saturday. Lesley says, “He comes home and he talks about his day for longer than he’s been there physically, which is really neat. You get the total play-by-play and then some. It’s good to see that spark of enthusiasm.”

...received comprehensive, hands-on career experience.

Lesley also likes how the Phase 1 Program familiarizes kids with college and university life, taking out the “fear factor” of setting foot on a large campus. A pharmacy technician unable to work due to a respiratory disease, Lesley herself left university partly because she found the environment intimidating. She had no one in her life who could relate to her apprehension; her parents never went to university.

Already, her young kids have received comprehensive, hands-on career experience, trying out 80 different jobs under the watchful eye of post-secondary students.

 

Gavin (pictured right) and older brother Andrew
are charting their own paths with Career
Trek’s help.

“That’s really cool, most people don’t get to try that in their lifetime,” says Gavin’s 11-year-old brother Andrew, who’s using the marketing tools he learned in the Phase 1 Program to promote his homegrown PowerPoint presentation company: SH Productions. Bound for the Phase 2 Project of Career Trek once he reaches Grade 9, Andrew wants to be a computer programmer.

Lesley says she’s noticed lots of changes in her boys since discovering the program. They pay more attention to the news and the world around them. One moment they’re talking about the construction of sandbag dikes, the next about the cost of producing goods in China. “Career Trek is providing a really well-rounded experience in so many ways,” Lesley says. “Not just on a course level but on a life level.”

What’s the best part according to Gavin? That’s easy, he’ll tell you. “Everything. It’s just awesome.”

 

At first, Marie Nepinak was skeptical. Some strange Caucasian man from an organization called Career Trek was proposing the kids from her community - Skownan First Nation - pile onto school buses and head elsewhere for education.

The scenario reminded her of painful memories she and others in her community have of being sent away and forced into residential schools as kids, only to be abused by authority figures.

"I thought, 'Who is this white person coming to take my grandchildren away?' 'Not again,' I was thinking. I was very, very scared. My mind went to residential schools, sorry to say," recalls Marie, who soon learned Career Trek in fact wanted the best for their children and their futures. "It was an eye-opener not only for the kids but for me, that education is very important."

Marie came along on Career Trek excursions to Winnipeg post-secondary institutions and noticed how the kids grew more respectful and better behaved. "There was a big change," she says, noting her grandson Gordy was no exception. Not only did his school attendance improve, so did his grades.

...learned how to be open to new ideas and work together towards a greater good.

She also felt part of the learning process. "They were learning and I was learning with them," says Marie, who is a mother of six, grandmother of 13, and great grandmother of two. It was the first time she had ever stepped foot into a university or college - and she was in awe. "I've never seen anything like this in my life."

She says her community, where too often young people don't graduate from high school, benefits from Career Trek's help. "It's a very high percentage of dropouts," she says, noting drugs are also a problem among teens there.

It’s a continuing struggle, as is her personal healing journey as a residential school survivor, which she credits Career Trek with helping her with as well. No longer does she view school as a scary and negative place. Marie says she learned how to be open to new ideas and work together towards a greater good.

 

Mother and daughter Trekkers Kelly and
Nerissa Rieu

Kelly Rieu was just a kid herself when she discovered she was going to have a child. At the time, a flood of emotions washed over the 14-year-old.

“I was overwhelmed. I was thinking, ‘How am I going to do this?’” recalls Kelly, mom to Nerissa, now 13. “I was afraid about what kind of future I was going to be able to provide for my child.”

Now a social worker, Kelly credits Career Trek with helping her find her way. She was a participant in The ‘M’ Project when her daughter was just a toddler. The project offered a welcome reprieve from stereotypes she encountered that told her teenage moms go nowhere. Career Trek showed her she had options.

“It was definitely eye-opening in terms of what kinds of jobs were out there. It helped me decide what I was interested in,” says Kelly, noting the project is often the only source of encouragement in a young mom’s life.

...the program is unlike anything else out there.

Through hands-on experience, Kelly realized her passion for helping people. She graduated from high school and pursued a position in the health-care field before earning her social work degree from the University of Manitoba. Her desire to provide a good life for her daughter motivated her to get through the long nights of studying.

Nerissa is now the one making regular trips to the university. As a participant of Career Trek’s Phase 1 Program, with aspirations to be a photographer or real estate agent, she sampled dozens of careers and is figuring out what fields she’s interested in and which ones she’s not. The experience is invaluable, says her mom, and the program is unlike anything else out there.

 

University or college might only be a few kilometres away, but for students of St. George School it can easily feel out of reach.

Teacher Elsie Yip says most of the students at this St. Vital middle school have rare opportunities to see the world beyond their neighbourhood, let alone step foot inside a post-secondary institution.

“Not many of them have the chance to even leave the area of St. Vital so to be able to participate in hands-on activities and go and attend both universities and Red River College – that’s an experience in itself,” says Elsie.

Not to mention the exposure the kids get to dozens of career options. They come back to class Monday morning chatting excitedly about their weekend Career Trek adventure, says Elsie, who is also her school’s Career Trek liaison. “The kids are always thrilled about what they’re learning. They tell me about all the careers they experience and wonder about what they’ll get to do the next week.”

It’s been a wonderful opportunity for children this age... – Elsie

There are few programs available for middle-school-aged kids, which makes Career Trek unique, Elsie says. The Phase 1 Program stands out since it targets young people early on, building motivation to not only graduate from high school but go beyond – an especially difficult task given their financial barriers.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity for children this age. I don’t think there is anything like it out there right now that gives students that chance,” says Elsie, noting some of the families aren’t able to attend the mini-university camps held at various Manitoba campuses. “What a great way to get them thinking about being a lifelong learner.”

St. George School won Career Trek’s 2008-09 School of the Year Award for demonstrating outstanding commitment to the program and their students.

TESTIMONIALS

 In Their Own Words

“The aerospace I really liked because it actually made me 
feel like a pilot.” – Participant, Governor Semple School

“I was really proud and excited to see my daughter get up in front of the group to do her speech. She would not have done that before Career Trek." – Father of participant from Glenwood School

“I enjoyed very much to be in Career Trek. Not only are the 
instructors nice but they are very helpful to understand the 
importance of staying in school.” – Participant, Victor Wyatt School



“Career Trek is a very important part of my son's path to being well-educated and informed about his options and opportunities that he can work towards. The sky is the limit and Career Trek is the first stepping stone towards him reaching his goals. I think NOW he has a brighter and better future because of Career Trek!” – Parent of participant from Weston School

“Made me think outside of the box.” – Aunt of participant from Frontenac School



“Thank you! This has helped me as well with my own career choices.” – Mother of participant from Glenwood School

“My chiled has inproved in school alot and she munch better in school thaks to Career Trek. Thanks for picking my daught (sic).” – Parent of participant from O. V. Jewitt School



“I think that my brother is becoming more interesting (sic) in school.” – Sister of participant from Margaret Park School


“I believe this is a program that could be used as a model to be included in the provincial curriculum.” – Parents of participant from Ecole Varennes

“Im (sic) glad that my brother got this opportunity that I never had and wish I did. Thank you.” – Sister of participant from Glenwood School

“Don't stop this program! Education is so important in this world. Makes me wish that we, as adults, had opportunities like this when we were younger. Maybe if everybody had a good education and knowledge of the world, the world would be a better place.” – Parent of participant from Lavallee School

“This term was diffenitly splended (sic).” – Participant, Victor Mager School

“Calum loves Career Trek! It's made her excited about school subjects that she wasn't very interested in before (math/science). Her school report card showed great improvement.” – Mother of participant from Archwood School

“Very good ideas for kids, I wish I had this opperuinty (sic) when I was young. It took me 16 years after high school to figure out what I wanted to do.” – Parent

“Very good program, as a high school grade 12 student I wish I had this opportunity in elementary. It helps the student get an idea of the different careers out there so that when they go to high school they have an idea of what hey want to do.” – Older Sister of participant from Wellington School

“Today opened the door to many question & answer periods at home that I am looking forward to.” – Parent of participant from Wayoata School

“I think you picked good careers for us to learn about. It 
was a great experience.” – Participant, Salisbury Morse Place School

“Wow! Environmental Studies sounds like something that I could have got into. Too bad they didn't have something like this program when I was younger. With all of the activities I do out of doors, I would of (sic) been in my element.” – Parent of participant from Lavallee School

“Marks have been improving; has been more confident; trying new things.” – 
Aunt of participant from Frontenac School

“Made me think outside of the box.” – Aunt of participant from Frontenac School

“Thank you! This has helped me as well with my own career choices.” – Mother of participant from Glenwood School

“Great program...will it be around next year?” – Mother of participant from Marion School



“I hope this program continues. It's given Brandy a very different outlook and she is much more outgoing and attendable (sic).” – Grandmother of participant from Lorette Immersion

“I think that Career Trek is an awesome idea. I compliment who started it even though I don't have any free Saturdays anymore. It is worth it definitely. Keep it up!” – Participant, Lord Roberts School

“

"I think that it really helped reinforce that school is important now. I mean this grade, the next grade – like right now is important." – Parent

“You could see the focus here more. I don't know why. He was up at 7:30 in the morning but he didn't have to leave until nine. Before we were dragging him [to the bus]. The instructors put something there.” – Parent

“There were some kids that turned it down because they didn't want to tie up their Saturdays. We had to do a lot of talking to get him into the program and once we got him in it was no problem. All his buddies were kicking themselves. They were trying to talk him out of the program but he said, 'No, no'. He cut two of his other activities to come here.” – Parent

“She has it planned already. She knows what she's going to do and where she is going.” – Parent



“I think that Career Trek made me more interested in careers, 
school and more!” – Participant, Hampstead School

“My son became more positive. Like he was positive before but before he started the program he wanted to come right out of high school and just work with me and now he wants to be more...Now he says that his body is worth more than that…My son is more involved in physical activity where before he couldn't be bothered.” – Parent

“He was always positive but he was quiet. Like he's more positive with himself than I ever thought he would be. So him being there made me understand him more...better.” – Parent



“He'd be there and come home and he was positive and then he'd relate to us what he had learned. He was actually describing the stuff he did.” – Parent

“We should have more classes per day!” – Participant, Henri-Bergeron School



“He joined into a lot of new things at school now. Like, his education was always important but he didn't associate with very many other kids. Now everybody is his friend. So that made a difference in him. It's nice to see.” – Parent



“Good program. Would like to send Chris again next year. Perhaps I can sneak him in under another name?” – Parent of participant from Arborgate School



“Fantastic program. My daughter looked forward to Career Trek every week. Thank-you for motivating her towards a higher education.” – Parent of participant from Machray School



“I think this program for this age of student is great. They get an idea of what is out there for them and the education they need to get there. Grades X and XI is too late to do this. Thank-you for allowing me to take part.” – Grandmother of participant from Weston School

“I really liked the way that are (sic) teachers treated us like we 
were going to school on campus. The teachers were really nice.” –
Participant, Dawson Trail School



“I have been in the hospital 2x this past week - I'm tired, exhausted but this day was worth every effort to support my child in his learning opportunities.” – Parent of participant from Mulvey School



“She would always talk about what she did at Career Trek. She enjoys being in the program. When I come to the program on Family Day I find it very educational. I have even learned a few new things. Keep up the good work.” – Stepmother of participant from Principal Sparling School

“This is a very good program for children. I wish I could have the same program when I was a child. My child has many improvements in school. I hope that the program remains in progress for other children.” – Father of participant from Pinkham School



“More power to Career Trek!!” – Parent of participant from Principal Sparling School

“This university is great and nice to see a sight of a big place of education.” – Parent of participant from Hampstead School

“I think this program is great! I really liked all of the 
people.” – Participant, Weston School



“This is my second year with Career Trek. We enjoyed participating on family days and my children are excited getting up Saturdays for this instead of watching cartoons.” – Parent of participant from Archwood School

“Jessica really enjoys Career Trek. She has skipped sleepovers and other activities in order to go to C.T. She has been very happy to go to bed early (like a school night) without much complaints. She really liked the field trip to work on airplanes and learn about the different materials they are made from.” – Parent of participant from Ecole Henri-Bergeron School

“Last year Ellen said ‘I want to be a doctor or lawyer.’ Now her idea of career choices has increased tenfold. Attending Career Trek has accomplished what I've been trying for a while.” – Parent of participant from Archwood School

“I think this is a very good program for children. It teaches them things that they are not interested in learning from their parents.” – Father of participant from Sherwood School

“I think that Career Trek is an excellent way for children to make sense of why they go to school and help them to decide on their vocation.” – Uncle of participant from Prince Edward School



“Thanks for the tip on tying shoes as I have a disabled granddaughter whom I am in the process of teaching her this procedure and will make one of the ‘shoe models’ you have so she can practice.” – Grandmother of participant from Salisbury Morse Place School



“Nothing but cool!” – Participant, Sister MacNamara School



“I take my hat off to all the people who made this possible. This has been an awesome experience. I don't need to tell you how much this has helped Bo-Jessie. All you have to do is look at his report card. You as a group are helping to improve our children's outlook at school. Way to go! Thank-you!” – Mother of participant from Hampstead School



“Career Trek is a fabulous program! It has given Dennis a better idea about higher education (and education in general). It expands beyond the basics of math, English, etc., and shows what a vast array of subjects and fields that there are to study. It's a shame more kids can't participate but we are grateful for the opportunity afforded Dennis. Bravo!” – Parent of participant from Governor Semple School

“

"I am encouraging my nephews to aspire to get in the program.” – Parent of participant from O. V. Jewitt School



“This is great, I wish they had the same type of program when I was in school, even high school.” – Mother of participant from Elwick School

“I think this program is great. Greg really enjoyed his time at Red River. He would like to participate as an instructor when he's older.” – Mother of participant from Ecole Varennes School



“This rocks!” – Participant, O.V. Jewitt School

“I thank everyone involved, very successful. I have heard many parents talking, saying this would have been great when I was going to school. Bringing my older son who is 13 years old who would never want to go where his little brother goes was very interested in coming today, and I didn't have to ask twice! Thank you.” – Parent of participant from St. Adolphe School

“What wonderful role models you are!! Hearing your personal goals and aspirations was inspiring!! Please, please, keep it up!!” – Parent of participant from Lorette Immersion School

“A well planned and valuable program for students to learn about the myriad of careers available to them. It also emphasizes the importance of higher education needed to reach their goals!” – Grandfather of participant from Dawson Trail School



“I was very glad to join. There are courses that we did not know. I have two boys involved. One hates school. This will help. The boys have made new friends. This is a chance of a lifetime. Thanks.” – Parent of participant from Arborgate School

“I believe your program is a good step towards getting kids turned on to education.” – Brother of participant from Dawson Trail School


“I never knew that reciciling (sic) was such a big impacted (sic) on 
life.” – Participant, King Edward School



“Kevin doesn't usually enjoy school as a whole. Political Science is his favorite subject. He is expressive, enthusiastic and he participates. This is the first I've seen of this. Thank you. I don't think he would have known how important an education can be if not shown. Thanks again.” – Sister of participant from Arborgate School

“Three thumbs up to the program!” – Parent of participant from Richer School

“Ethan has changed his future occupation from 'race car driver' to 'engineer'!” –
Mother of participant from Arborgate School



“Dustin is very impressionable at his age. This is the perfect time to make them aware of their responsibilities to achieve their dreams. Thank you for planting seeds. We'll see that they grow.” – Sister of participant from Arborgate School

“Great experience overall. Has resulted in our son feeling reassured that others can appreciate how smart he is. Thanks.” – Parent of participant from Richer School

“If Career Trek is still available when I am in grade 5 I want to go I am in grade 2 right now.” – Brother of participant from St. George School



“I think Career Trek should be open to more kids. Like 7 kids from each school maybe.” – Participant, Ecole Varennes School

“I've never had so much fun witnessing a homicide, running laps, getting hit with hammers, playing with toilette cleaners or making a sandwich.” – Brother of participant from Victor Wyatt School



“Tax money well spent.” – Parent of participant from A. E. Wright School

“Keep it going and going.” – Parent of participant from A. E. Wright School

“I think this is a excellent program and I think there should be more funding from the municipal and provincial government.” – Father of participant from Cecil Rhodes School

“Changed her goal from 'waitress/cashier' to 'police officer' or ? (She's not sure, but great ideas!)” – Parent of participant from Strathcona School

“More wanting to go to school now (sic).” – Participant, La Barriere Crossings School

“Career Trek has helped my child understand what he has to look forward to after he graduates and he's really excited about it. Thank you Career Trek!” – Mother of participant from Weston School

“Katie is much more adept at relating information than before Career Trek, e.g. watching TLC on television, she can identify muscle and bone locations being repaired on reality type hospital shows.” – Father of participant from Lord Roberts School



“It has given me choices I could make regarding a change in my career.” – Parent of participant from Fort Rouge School

“A good way of motivating children to stay in school. Children just do not know how lucky they are to have programs like this set up for their benefits (sic) in the long run. Keep up the good work.” – Mother of participant from King Edward School

“Overall it's a fantastic program that allows children to broaden their interests. I think Sky is growing a little each time she participates. Thank you.” – Mother of participant from Pinkham School

“

"I believe this program has made a difference in my son's thoughts toward college.” – Parent of participant from Archwood School



“Carly has since the beginning of Career Trek been eager to get Mon. to Fri. school finished and is excited when Saturdays roll around to participate in Career Trek.” – Parent of participant from Hampstead School

“Excellent program for youths of today. I wish there would have been a program of this nature when I was choosing my career.” – Guardian of participant from Sherwood School



“The children were all very interesting to listen to. It was good to see even the shy ones felt comfortable enough to participate! Thank you for the opportunity to attend Career Trek.” – Parent of participant from Salisbury Morse Place School



“Construction was good for my child. I think she realizes that further education is required even for this area.” – Parent of participant from Sister MacNamara School

“This program is very good for the kids. The interest in school has dramatically improved. She looks forward to learning different things and the staff make it fun to learn.” – Parent of participant from King Edward School

“With the information he's been learning he has better achievements and more goals in his future.” – Parent of participant from Norquay School

“Jaime is now more involved with students and family!! Thanks.” – Parent of participant from Frontenac School



“This is a very good program for my daughter to enable her to see and open herself to a lot of opportunities and interests she'll have in her future and establish a goal for herself in her future career.” – Parent of participant from Sister MacNamara School

“Aaron is happy to come. It must be interesting to him in order to see him ready so early on a Saturday. I am pleased with the exposure to secondary education that he wouldn't get otherwise.” – Foster Mom of participant from Frontenac School

“Tricia's marks on her report card have gone up. She is trying really hard this year. I think this has helped show school can be fun too.” – Mother of participant from King Edward School



“I found this program to be extremely fun and exciting. You seem to learn a lot about home, computers, physical education and just plain fun. I wish I was apart (sic) of it." – Friend of participant from Frontenac School

“It has proven to be a very good exposure to a form of education which is non-judgmental and yet educational. It has allowed Daniel to understand that you can learn without the need of having a letter grade or mark attached to your learning. The success is in the learning. Also to see and understand that learning does not end at grade 12 and that there are institutions to assist in this.” – Father of participant from William Whyte School



“The concept of Career Trek is wonderful. Taylor has enjoyed all the classes so far. His willingness to forgo other Saturday activities rather than miss this is surprising.” – Mother of participant from St. John's School



“This is an excellent tool to ensure our children know that the sky is the limit for their career opportunities, as long as they stick with school.” – Parent of participant from A. E. Wright School

“Great! As a single parent I got to experience all four classes with my sons.” – Parent of participant from Dufferin School

“I'm really glad she has this opportunity, unlike I did.”– Parent



“Informative and very entertaining. Programs such as Career Trek should have been in place 30 years ago.” – Parent of participant from Kent Road School

“Fabulous Program, had a great time. My daughter comes home every week with wonderful stories of what she learned that day. Thanks for everything!” – Parent of participant from Machray School

“I really enjoyed my day and mostly enjoyed seeing the reaction on my son's face while doing each subject. Fantastic program and should be held for a longer period of time.” – Parent of participant from Frontenac School

“Thank you for Career Trek and for Family Day. Now I know the environment my son is in and what wonderful and interesting people he is getting to meet. He is not the only one who is enthusiastic about university!” – Parent of participant from Greenway School



“Thanks for taking my kid away from the T.V. and Play Station." – Parent of participant from Ecole Henri-Bergeron

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