On Tuesday April 13, two University of Alberta Senators, Dave Rumbold and Marla Palakkamanil, and Michaela Mann, U School Program Lead, came to speak to our club about U School. U School is a program run by the University of Alberta Senate that aims to introduce and connect students in grades 4 through 9 from socially vulnerable, Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) and rural communities to the University of Alberta. Classes, with their classroom teachers, attend a week-long immersion experience on campus led by U School staff. Our guest speakers shared how the sessions at U School are designed to build excitement while meeting the objectives of the curriculum. The program also strives to create a sense of belonging for marginalized students who have significant barriers to overcome - and it is clearly working since hundreds of U School alumni now attend the University of Alberta. The quotation that our guest speakers shared with us sums up the impact of U School,

 

 

U School sounds amazing and we were so happy to learn about this program and the role of a University of Alberta Senator. 

Whyte Avenue Rotary is holding an online 50/50 raffle in support of Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS). YESS has been one of our community partners since our club was chartered over ten years ago. 

 

YESS provides immediate and low-barrier overnight and day shelter, temporary supportive housing, and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15–24. YESS works collaboratively within a network of care focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness. Funds raised from this 50/50 will help support the valuable work that YESS does.