Laurier launches free, interactive Lift Off to Higher Education program

April 15, 2024

Elementary teachers and students across Ontario have a new way to explore pathways to higher education and careers, as Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lift Off to Higher Education program launches a series of free online resources, activities and videos.

The resources are integrated with Ontario’s curriculum and based on the popular in-person Lift Off program that Laurier presented to classes in Waterloo Region and Hamilton-Wentworth school boards over the past decade. By transitioning to a fully online, self-serve model, Lift Off is now available across Ontario and can be accessed at any time by classroom teachers, guidance counsellors, special education teachers, and administrators as they introduce career planning to their students.

“Lift Off reaches students during the key grades of 6 to 8, helping them identify their interests and skills and begin thinking about careers and programs that align with them,” said Maria Cantalini-Williams, dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Education. “This online, video-based format gives educators the flexibility to introduce modules as appropriate for their students. The digital workbooks, activities, and resources provide teachers with the tools they need to have engaging discussions on these topics with their classes.”

Lift Off to Higher Education covers financial literacy and how it impacts students’ futures; post-secondary education pathways including apprenticeships, college, direct-to-work and university options; connecting skills, interests and employment; and transferable skills such as interpersonal skills and work habits. It includes a series of seven to 10 modules per year for grade 6, 7 and 8 students, which are delivered in a video format by facilitators.

Each series is accompanied by a teacher resource guide and workbooks and activities for students. Educators are encouraged to do the programs at any time in the school year and to choose which modules and activities to focus on. Each year of the program stands on its own; for example, grade 8 students do not need to complete the grade 7 program.

The program modules, resources and worksheets are available now on Laurier’s Faculty of Education Lift Off to Higher Education page. Questions about Lift Off to Higher Education can be sent to liftoff@wlu.ca.