Seth Fronda was nothing short of happy after his school nominated him to take part in Career Trek. 

“The guidance counsellor at my school told me about Career Trek and thought it was something I’d be interested in, and I was,” says Seth. 

An 11 year-old graduate of the Phase 1 program, Seth enjoyed the fun, hands-on activities at Red River College, University of Winnipeg, and University of Manitoba where he and his fellow Trekkers discovered a variety of career options to consider for their futures. One activity he remembers involved a series of science experiments with eggs. Another activity required him build a birdhouse at RRC. 

Sasha Mark knows he wants a career working with kids. He also knows that getting an education is a key role in making that happen.

“A lot of careers out there require you to have an education. Career Trek made it known early on that getting an education is important, and that always stuck with me,” says Sasha. 

This 17-year-old Career Trek graduate is the Junior Campus Coordinator for the Phase 1 Program. A former Trekker and Junior Staff Member, Sasha’s current leadership role allows him to work closely with other staff to ensure quality program delivery each week. 

“I love the idea of taking my own time to work with such a positive organization, especially one that has helped me be the person that I am today.” 

Three dogs will have a home to call this winter - all thanks to our participants of our Phase 2 Construction Project. They spent the better part of their term learning about the in’s and out’s of the industry, putting their skills to good use by building three dog houses donated to the Winnipeg Humane Society!

Heather (centre) from the Winnipeg Humane Society picked up the dog houses from our participants. They did a great job!

Kayvon, in red, poses with his group members with their award-winning project.

Kayvon Razzaghi is one innovative student. 

This 21-year-old Brandon University student and Career Trek staff boasts having one of the “Most Innovative Minds in Canada” after taking home an award from the Canada Youth Business Foundation, YOU Innovate Canada Tournament. 

Kayvon, along with his group members, Stephen Chycota, Stephanie Fung and Jeanette Hudon conceived The Grow Mugs Project. They were tasked to create value out of an inanimate object, a coffee mug, in a short three-week time frame. 

Their idea? 

Recycled coffee mugs painted with chalkboard paint, used to plant herbs to sell to the community. The group also involved local schools and taught students the importance of healthy eating using the mugs. Out of their profits, they were able to donate more than $1,800 to SIFE Brandon, a local not-for-profit in the community. 

For their efforts and innovativeness, the group received a $5,500 cash award and a trip to Liverpool, England for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress. 

“I learned that even the most simplistic ideas could have the greatest impact. You do not necessarily need some fancy complex idea to be super successful,” says Kayvon. 

Our Executive Director Darrell Cole is BOLD. What we really mean is that he’ll be talking about his BOLD ideas for Manitoba’s education system in the latest Manitoba BOLD conference by The Winnipeg Chamber. Join us on February 22 at the Fort Garry Hotel to hear Darrell’s BOLD idea. 

More event details: http://www.winnipeg-chamber.com/assoc/events/EventSearchDetailResult.aspx

Two of our Management Staff members, Meryl Kaye De Leon and Amber Reid, were two of the select 100 to attend the upcoming TEDxManitoba conference. On February 9, they’ll have the chance to be inspired and hear from renowned speakers in Manitoba and across the world. Lucky them!

Our Executive Director Darrell Cole had the opportunity to speak to Red River College students in this year’s annual Directions Business Conference. He spoke on the following topic of: Corporate Social Responsibility: Who is Giving What to Whom, and Why, with presenters Ian McCausland, Jan Belanger, and Cheryl Baldwin.

A few of our staff members had a chance to share the work we’re doing to help young mothers in the city. Judy Schau, The ‘M’ Project Manager, along with our Executive Director, Darrell Cole, presented on the project and Patricia Hamilton joined to attend and they all networked in the largest career development conference in Canada. It was exciting to learn that practitioners across the country are in support of introducing children to career development in grade school; just as we do through hands-on experiential programming. 

To learn more about this event, visit www.cannexus.ca.

Angelina Hartwell originally wanted to attend Career Trek’s Mothers Project for the free supper. 

At 19, she and her son got free breakfast and lunch at her local high school.

This young mother reasoned that for two days out of the week, she could get free supper and do an activity that was outside of tending to her newborn. 

“It seems so simple and ridiculous now but it was quite a big thing.” 

Now, at 30, Angelina is a full-time nurse and has since added two kids to her brood. Looking back, Angelina never suspected to finish post-secondary school. 

“It wasn’t anything that anybody in my family did,” says Angelina. “My parents both dropped out of high school and it just wasn’t anything that was really important to them, so it was never portrayed as being important to me.”

“I don’t think I would have ever had the exposure to post-secondary education [without Career Trek],” she adds.

Thank you! 
Laugh for a Cause Fundraiser
On November 23, we held a fundraiser benefitting Rastin and Kalin Contois, who lost their mother a few months ago. We raised close to $1,500 which will go towards an educational fund for these two young boys. We would like to extend our gratitude to all of those who donated and purchased tickets to support this cause. 

Open House 
On November 3, we opened our doors to our new space at 191 Lombard Avenue to old and new friends. Guests enjoyed cupcakes, treats, drinks and the company of the Career Trek family. You can view all of the fun and festivities on our Facebook page.
 

Our Condolences 

Career Trek wants to offer its condolences to two families who recently lost a member of their family. 

Gorddy Jory Lee Nepinak (Red Bear) 
February 8,1992 - October 30, 2011

Randy Contois (Red Stone Man) 

Both Gorddy and Randy were enrolled in our Children Rising Program. 

Cassidy Mann simply oozes talent.

All you have to do is listen to her voice, and you’ll know what we mean. 

She displays a humble confidence rarely in seen in the biggest pop acts of our day, and this is despite her success with the release of her self-titled, Extend Play (EP) pop country album last June.  

"I get nervous every single time I perform. I always do," says Cassidy.

"Right before I get onstage, my hands are shaking. I get really nervous, I try to talk myself down. Once I get onstage, it all kind of goes down and the crowd becomes my friend." 

By Rachel Hawryluk 

When creating something successful, every part plays an important role. Take away one piece, and the object doesn't work. Not only does Karen Ste. Marie understand this, but she is one of those important pieces.

Wayoata School, under Karen's leadership, was the recipient of the School of the Year award for the Phase 1 Program at last year's convocation. "Receiving the award was the collected effort from a dedicated, intelligent group of people. From Kindergarten to Grade and beyond, our staff have worked to help our students explore many areas of learning."

Career Trek and Social Media

Career Trek is finally on Facebook and Twitter. We'll be using these social networking sites to keep you up-to-date on everything Career Trek related, along with articles and information on the landscape of education today.