Our speakers on Tuesday were Karen Bennett and Jaine Haines from the Staples Education Foundation supported by George Wells and Issac Vaeau-Mulitalo. 

 

They were introduced to the meeting by Brian McMath who commented on the strong links between Rotary Newmarket and Dilworth, including the Technology Prize and funding for candidates at the Walsh Flying School.

 

Brian commented on the lack of awareness about the Staples Education Foundation among the members present. That lack of knowledge was soon to be remedied.

 

Brian told us that in short the Staples Education Foundation  was established to support students from Dilworth School and now Macaulay High as they transition from secondary school, into the world of tertiary education and then into employment.

 

Moving on to the speakers, Jane told us about the foundation's role in providing scholarships to students from Dilworth and Macaulay High for the purpose of helping them transition to university and support them during their first three years.

 

She told us about the trustees, including Greg Shanahan, Hayden Staples, Johnny Staples, Ian Redshaw, and Karen Bennett.

 

She then outlined the Foundation's objectives: achieving tertiary education, securing jobs, and encouraging students to give back to society.  She highlighted the foundation's success in supporting students, with 99% achieving tertiary education and securing jobs.

 

Jaine then told us about the foundation's 10-year history and the comprehensive support provided to students, including mentorship, work experience, and networking opportunities.

 

We were then told about success stories of students who have achieved their degrees and secured jobs, emphasizing the foundation's impact on their lives.

 

We then had  George and  Issac share their personal experiences, highlighting the foundation's role in providing financial support and mentorship.  They discussed their career paths and the foundation's role in helping them navigate their university experience and secure jobs.

 

We were then told about the Trusts mentorship program, which pairs with mentors who have work and life experience and who assist the students to come to terms with university and life that goes along with university.

Karen told us about the buddy system, where academically talented students guide first-year students through their university experience.

 

We were told about success stories of students who have benefited from the foundation's work experience program.  George told us about his work experience starting at Becca and then after that and the impact on his career.

Issac, shares his unique experience of working at Dilworth while studying at university, and the support he received from the foundation.  He emphasized the foundation's role in providing financial support and mentorship, allowing him to graduate without a student loan.

 

Karen spoke about the ripple effect of the foundation's generosity, with students paying it forward by supporting others in the community.

 

Each of the speakers were warmly received by members and a number of good questions were addressed to Karen and Jaine.

 

The consensus was that the Staples Education Foundation is an entity our club can collaborate with to impact young people’s lives in a positive way.