Boarding Home Program Provides Learning Opportunities for Youth

Some students in rural communities choose to do their high school education in Fort McMurray. Our Boarding Home program provides a home-away-from-home to the students who prefer to live and attend school outside of their home community.

This year, we had 22 youth in our program. Each year, the average is between 16 and 22 students.

Once a month we host a lunch for our boarding home students, with between 12 and 18 students from two different schools in attendance. During this time together, we enjoy a meal and listen to a guest speaker share their story with us. We discuss the work they do and the requirements they have to get their position. Often students are curious about the fundamental skills employers are looking for. This discussion allows the youth to ask questions; learning about fields of work they are interested in or maybe didn’t know very much about.

Being away from home presents challenges for these young adults. We strive to provide the support they need to excel in their academics, learn helpful social skills, and be a source for support. Even with this, some students face academic and social barriers. When this happens, some students decide to return home and continue their education in their home community. We continue to build this program and create a positive experience for youth.

If you are interested in this program or would like to billet a student, please contact Charles Nokohoo at 780-791-6538 extension 243.