Education

4 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2019 At The University of Winnipeg, students arrive with diverse, untapped talents and emerge as leaders, well-prepared to make an impact in their field. One of the ways UWinnipeg prepares students for success is through opportunities to learn outside the classroom — by participating in internships, volunteer and co-op placements, and research projects that support local businesses, government and not-for-profit organizations. These opportunities let students develop their skills and knowledge in a way that complements their educational experience. For example, outreach programs such as Let's Talk Science have a huge impact on the students involved and the communities they serve. UWinnipeg's volunteer team has been nationally recognized for its work in Manitoba and across the country, sending university students as far afield as Hall Beach, Nunavut, and Churchill so they can mentor elementary school students and inspire educators. "We are proud to provide students in remote, rural communities with the opportunity to learn how rewarding it is to study science, technology, engineering and math," said biochemistry and neuroscience honours student, Chelsea Lukawy, after taking part in a week-long Let's Talk Science outreach in Churchill. UWinnipeg's Co-operative Education Program allows business, economics and applied computer science students to combine their academic studies with relevant work experience. Business and applied computer science student Nicole Van Hove said the co-op program offers students more than just work experience. Career preparation activities such as mock interviews and networking opportunities helped her secure a position as a student software developer at Richardson International. "Co-op really appealed to me because when you graduate you can say you have specific work experiences when you're applying for jobs," she said. UWinnipeg's Learning Service Program gives Bachelor of Education students the opportunity to combine in-class learning with eight weeks of service at a community- based education agency. "It opens the doors for students to discover opportunities and develop a bank of experience for when they graduate," said program co-ordinator Mark Kuly. "The feedback we get from schools is UWinnipeg students are adept at moving into the classroom because they have more contact hours in the community than others do." Another example of students combining academic credit with on-the-job experience is UWinnipeg's innovative YouthUnited@ Winnnipeg program, where students spend 15 weeks working with community groups in Winnipeg's North End. The course, based on principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action, was created in partnership with the City of Winnipeg, initiated by city councillor for St. Vital, Brian Mayes, and designed at The University of Winnipeg by Dr. Shauna MacKinnon, Chair of Urban and Inner- City Studies "I learned an enormous amount of useful skills for future jobs, and working in the inner city was a wonderful, eye-opening experience," said Riley Black, a political studies honours student who took part in the program in 2018. UWinnipeg students also have many opportunities to take part in hands-on research. While studying toward her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in biology, Breanna Meek worked closely with Dr. Renée Douville on a project studying how our genes may code for a viral protein that can cause DNA damage. This research is part of a larger study developing new treatment options for ALS, a neurodegenerative disease which currently affects between 2,500 and 3,000 adult Canadians. "The skills I've gained working in Dr. Douville's lab have given me a taste of what the research field is like, inspiring my future career choices." said Meek who plans to complete a Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy before pursuing a career in health sciences research. Nearly 50 per cent of UWinnipeg students currently benefit from work-integrated learning during their studies. Plans are underway to develop even more partnerships with employers and ultimately offer such opportunities to all of the University's students — providing valuable experiences to put the theories they've learned in the classroom into practice. When students get the chance to connect with employers and solve real-world problems, it not only prepares them for career success, it helps Manitoba thrive in a changing global economy. Learn more about UWinnipeg programs at uwinnipeg.ca ❚ Cory Aronec Photography THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG PREPARING FOR IMPACT Work-integrated learning gives students experience for career success "It opens the doors for students to discover opportunities and develop a bank of experience for when they graduate."

• Cover