Expanding Opportunities with Western University

We are proud to welcome Western University as the first Canadian university to become an Education Operating Partner of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada. 

For more than 60 years, the Award has supported young people to build skills, confidence, and community through experiential learning, primarily in secondary schools and community organizations. This partnership marks an important milestone in the evolution of the Award in Canada, bringing the framework directly into a post-secondary setting. 

As Canada’s first university Education Operating Partner, Western is creating new opportunities for students to engage with the Award alongside their studies. Through a co-curricular approach, students can pursue meaningful experiences within, and beyond the classroom, from developing new skills and serving their communities to participating in physical recreation and team-based challenges that foster leadership, resilience, and personal growth. 

“Learners today are seeking experiences that complement their academic learning and help them develop as leaders, professionals and engaged citizens,” said Florentine Strzelczyk, Western’s Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “Through this partnership, Western is creating additional opportunities for students to build skills, gain real-world experience and pursue personal growth alongside their academic studies.”  

The partnership was announced at Girls in Aviation Day at London International Airport, where more than 1,000 girls in Grades 6 to 8 explored careers in aviation and aerospace through hands-on activities, mentorship, and conversations with industry professionals.  Award Canada Senior Director, and Vice President of Great Lakes Aviators Canada Chapter, Laura Briscoe, presented the Education Operating Partnership to Western leadership during the event.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Western University as an Education Operating Partner. This partnership is especially meaningful as we continue creating programs and spaces that inspire the next generation to explore the opportunities that exist in aviation and aerospace.

Thank you to all the students, educators, mentors, industry partners, and volunteers who continue to collaborate in providing meaningful learning experiences. Together, we are helping young people build confidence, discover new possibilities, and connect their interests to future pathways in aviation and beyond.”

–Laura Briscoe, Award Canada Senior Director, and Vice President of Great Lakes Aviators Canada Chapter

Jackie Book, Director of Western’s Commercial Aviation Management program and President of Great Lakes Aviators Canada, is eager to align Western’s Aviation programs and student experiences with the Award to better support future career pathways and industry partnerships. 

By bringing the Award into a university environment, Western is creating an experiential recognition opportunity for young people to continue developing the skills, experiences, and confidence that will support them throughout their education, careers, and communities. We are excited to see where this milestone leads and what it makes possible for the future of experiential learning in Canada. 

“Partnerships like this strengthen the connections between education, industry, and community. The airport is intentional about supporting students to see new possibilities in the sector for their future.” 

– Laura Shepherd, London International Airport Director of Operations.

Read More from Western   |  CTV News Coverage   |  Rogers TV Coverage

 

(L to R) Laura Briscoe, Senior Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada and Vice President of the Great Lakes Aviators Canada Chapter of Women in Aviation International, Western Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Florentine Strzelczyk, and Jackie Book, Director of Western’s Commercial Aviation Management program and President of Great Lakes Aviators Canada Chapter.

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