Atlantic Forum Unites Education and Innovation

Today, the energy is high as senior education leaders from across Atlantic Canada come together in Prince Edward Island for the Atlantic Canada Education Forum, hosted by Award Canada. Held under the theme “Together in Learning: Empowering Learners and Educators through the Award,” this forum represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of how we support student development through experiential learning. 

At the heart of the forum is the Co-curricular Approach – Award Canada’s strategic model for integrating The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award into public education systems. This approach is designed to align with provincial priorities, reduce barriers to access, and empower educators to deliver meaningful, real-world learning experiences. You can learn more about the Co-curricular Approach here. 

Why This Gathering Matters 

This forum brings together a powerful cross-section of education leaders, including: 

• Senior officials from the Atlantic provinces 

• School board leaders and system administrators 

• Educators and program leads 

• Youth participants sharing their lived experiences 

• Award Canada leadership and collaborators 

Their presence reflects a shared commitment to reimagining education – not just by adding new programs, but by embedding experiential learning into the fabric of public education. Through the Award Canada Way, we emphasize that how the Award is delivered, through collaboration, educator leadership, and system alignment is just as important as what is delivered. 

Leaders Behind the Vision 

Among those leading this work are Trudy Carlisle, Senior Director of Program at Award Canada, and Laura Briscoe, Education Consultant with Award Canada. Together, they are spearheading the Co-curricular Approach Pilot, which is redefining how the Award is integrated into schools across the country. 

Laura Briscoe, a former educator and school leader, brings deep insight into the power of experiential learning. As she shared in a recent article: 

“When students are given the opportunity to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and reflect on their growth, they begin to see themselves differently. That’s the power of the Award—it helps young people discover who they are and what they’re capable of.” 

Their leadership is helping shape a model that not only supports student success, but also empowers educators to lead with purpose and impact. 

A Special Guest 

We are honoured to welcome HRH The Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, KG KT GCVO CD, to the Atlantic Canada Education Forum in his role as Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation. His presence at the forum is a powerful affirmation of the importance of this work – not only in Canada, but globally. 

As Chairman, HRH plays a vital role in championing the Award’s mission to ensure that all young people, regardless of background or geography, have access to the life-changing benefits of experiential learning. His attendance at the forum reflects his deep commitment to education and youth development, and his support lends global visibility to the efforts underway in Atlantic Canada. 

While his visit to the forum is one of several engagements during his time in Canada including attending the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Prince Edward Island Regiment, where he serves as Colonel-in-Chief, his participation in this event underscores the significance of the Award’s integration into public education systems and the collective effort to scale its impact. 

This forum is more than a milestone, it’s a moment of alignment, collaboration, and shared purpose. We look forward to the conversations, connections, and commitments that will shape the future of education in Atlantic Canada. 

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