Georges Vanier is proud to be part of the TDSB’s Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement’s Black Student Success and Excellence initiative. As part of this initiative, Georges Vanier participated in the Intuit Lead with Cause: Social Innovation Challenge. High school students were tasked with a challenge to design an innovative solution to increase equitable access to entrepreneurship for underrepresented groups. On Friday, April 1st, the winners of the Intuit Social Innovation Challenge were announced. Held across 9 school districts in Canada and the USA, and 700 student participants, the three member Vanier team led by Grade 11 student Lenecia Walters won 2nd place by creating a super-smart toothbrush that ignites tele-dentistry so small-practice owners have equitable access to new clients, funding, government programs, and mentorship.
Lenecia has shared that the skills she has gained by completing this project are communication and patience. For her, “this competition has made me better, more experienced, and open minded. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with the mentors also, my mindset has improved too, I have different ideas throughout the days. I am really happy to have this experience … The lessons I've learned in this project helped me to find my liking, something I am passionate about, and how I envision using the lesson in ways such as exploring more ideas and working towards my goals to be great, continue finding solutions, and leaving an image on my business.”
The team was supported by Georges Vanier Business Department staff, school administration and community members. Each team member took home over $7,000 in cash and prizes! Staff and students from Georges Vanier Secondary School as well as the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement were present for the virtual announcement.
Georges Vanier Black Student Success and Excellence Inquiry: What happens to Black students' academic achievement and sense of wellbeing when provided the opportunity to engage their voice with the school and classroom environment using critical consciousness as the vehicle?