Ready, Set, Excel!
Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 07/09/10
The province of Manitoba has implemented a youth program called the Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Experience Program, which encourages students to improve on their academics, get involved in their community and overcome tough obstacles in their lives to become the best they can be – and in the end, they are rewarded!
What it’s all about…
Working closely with their teachers, students are evaluated and tested for about three and a half months in the following areas;
1. Attendance: The student should arrive to class on time and attend them on a regular basis.
2. Academics: He or she should be productive during class and complete schoolwork on time and with effort.
3. Commitment to Self: The youth should take responsibility for their actions and their education, and work towards achieving a healthy lifestyle.
4. Commitment to Others: The young person must be respectful and helpful towards others.
Rewards
Over the course of the three and a half months, if the students are showing improvement in the previous areas, they are rewarded with a prize. For those who show the greatest improvement of all the participants, they can receive one of the top prizes:
- Lunch at Government House: Students will have the chance to eat lunch at the Government House, and will have their certificate and other rewards given to them at that time.
- Lunch with RCMP Officer: Some students will have the chance to eat lunch with a local RCMP officer and engage in an activity organized by the police officer. They will also have a certificate and other rewards given to them at this time.
In addition, a $1000 bursary will be awarded to the student who has proved him or herself to be the most improved student in the program.
“To everyone who made it possible, thanks! I had a lot of fun and I learned a lot,” said one of the top students who participated. “I believe I’ve really grown…”
For more details and information about this program in Manitoba, check out ICANDOIT.ca. To read about the eligibility requirements for the program, click here! A list of the schools in Manitoba who have been invited to participate in this program can be found on this website. You can also talk to teachers in your school or a guidance councilor for more information!