[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/cwbooks.jpg” caption=”Grade 11 and 12 students from Hamilton, Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk were on campus Thursday as part of a program that helps introduce Crown wards to post-secondary education. The trip to McMaster was supported and organized by the the area’s Education Championship Team, an initiative of the Ontario government. Photo by Matt Terry”]A presentation from an astronaut, an interactive session on optical design and tours of
campus were just some of the agenda items for a group of Grade 11 and 12 students on
campus Thursday.

The students, Crown wards from Hamilton, Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk, were on
campus as part of an annual trip organized by the area's Education Championship
Team, McMaster's Faculty of Social Sciences and the Student Success Centre.

Social Sciences joined the Education Championship Team, an initiative of the Ontario
government meant to help Crown wards succeed at college and university, in 2009. The
team includes volunteers from local school boards, children's aid societies, community
agencies, Employment Ontario and provincial ministries.

“It's an incredibly important program that really helps students get comfortable on
campus,” said Charlotte Yates, dean of social sciences. “It helps them understand that
post-secondary education is absolutely an option for them.”

The 40 students began their day with a presentation by engineering students on light, its behaviour and how it can be used in the design of technological devices. The visitors also spoke with PhD candidate Matt Pachai about his experience as a McMaster student,
assistant professor of sociology Sandra Colavecchia about overcoming life barriers and
the Student Success Centre's Alison Pereira about following the pathway to success.

The day also included a session on scholarship and bursary opportunities, free books
and McMaster gear from Titles Bookstore and a video presentation from Canadian
astronaut and former McMaster professor Dave Williams.

“Those unfamiliar with what universities are like are often surprised when they actually
visit one,” said Yates. “That's why it's so important to invite high school students to
campus before they make their decisions about post-secondary education.”

Yates said the program goes a long way in helping the students understand the options
they have after high school.

“We want to get them excited about post-secondary education, and show them that
they have the opportunity to attend a leading college or university right in their own
backyard,” she said. “But it's not about whether they come to McMaster or not. No
matter where they end up, if we help them make a decision then the program is a
success.”