It’s time to celebrate local people who have used education to change their lives.
I’m proud to be co-chair of the Education Works Alliance, a community organization that is accepting nominations for Education Champions.
This is the 6th year for the Education Champions campaign! Over the last 5 years, more than 100 people from the Grand Erie region have been celebrated and recognized, with their stories and photos appearing in a special newspaper section published in the Brantford Expositor, Paris Star and Simcoe Reformer.
Nominations can be submitted until the end of November. Individuals can nominate themselves or they can be nominated by others: friends, family, instructors, co-workers, employers.
Here’s the link to the nomination form: http://educationworks.ca/nominate-a-champion
The Champions are also celebrated on the Education Works Alliance website: http://educationworks.ca
What is an Education Champion?
A Champion is someone who exemplifies the importance of ongoing education, lifelong learning or professional development, in or outside the workplace. A Champion is a positive role model, whose story about furthering their education or training could inspire others to do the same.
Champions have in the past included people who:
- Juggled work, school and family to achieve their goals;
- Overcame obstacles to go back to school to get their Grade 12 diploma;
- Are the first person in their family to go to college or university;
- Have worked hard to finish apprenticeships;
- Take courses and learn new skills to advance in their company.
“Over the last 5 years, we’ve heard some incredible, inspiring stories,” said Mark Skeffington, project coordinator of Education Works.
“It’s a smart move for anyone to boost their education, learning and skills, since it can open so many new doors. We know that education contributes to more job opportunities, higher incomes and a sense of personal accomplishment.”
Who is eligible?
Nominees must be at least 18 years of age, live in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, New Credit, Norfolk or Six Nations.
Education WORKS Alliance is comprised of 30 community organizations dedicated to building prosperity through training, education and lifelong learning. Members include educators, employment services, public libraries, business representatives, and staff from economic and workforce development.
The Alliance’s mandate is to raise the education, literacy and skill levels of Grand Erie residents, in order to broaden opportunities for employment and economic development.
Education WORKS is a project of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.
