Youth from Indigenous communities across central and southern Alberta spent time at Lethbridge Polytechnic as part of an exploration of post-secondary experiences this week.
The teens, between 16 and 18 years old, are taking part in a six-week program through the Outland Youth Employment Program. Their week in Lethbridge was divided between the polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge.
Joelle Reynolds, director of the polytechnic’s youth initiatives, said activities were aimed at helping students discover what they’re interested in and what the post-secondary experience can be like.
Activities at Lethbridge Polytechnic included exploring the Wind Turbine Technician shop, the Hubbard Collection of more than 100 specimens of taxidermy mammals, the fish and plants in the aquaculture centre, and the Simulation Hub, where future health-care professionals experience caring for patients in a hospital-like setting. They also toured the Iissksiniip (Coming to Know and Learn) Coulee Walk, where interpretive signage tells the story of plants used by the Blackfoot people. The popular walk begins on the west side of the polytechnic campus, behind the Cullen Residence.
This is the second year Lethbridge’s post-secondary campuses have been part of the Outland Youth Employment Program schedule.
