Last November at Wilfrid Laurier University, we watched students pitch bold solutions to community challenges during an SHSM Homelessness Curriculum event. One group proposed repurposing vacant infrastructure for housing, while another designed a centralized support services model.
It was incredibly rewarding to read the recent news from the Brantford Expositor. The City of Brantford announced plans to transform the former Fox Ridge facility into a comprehensive Hub for the Homeless, a strategy that mirrors exactly what our students envisioned.
What makes this connection even more special is that Mary Musson the City Commissioner driving this project, was in the room with us. As a guest judge, she listened to these future leaders advocate for the very models the city is now implementing.
Why This Matters for SHSM Programs
This serves as a powerful reminder that student voices matter. When we give youth the platform to work on real cases with real stakeholders, they don't just learn. They demonstrate professional insight that aligns perfectly with actual municipal strategy.
The Specialist High Skills Major framework creates these kinds of opportunities across Ontario. Students tackle authentic community challenges through structured programs that connect classroom learning with real world problem solving. In Brantford, students didn't approach homelessness as a theoretical exercise. They researched, consulted with stakeholders, and proposed evidence based solutions.
Having Commissioner Musson in the room as a judge meant students were presenting directly to someone with the authority to act. That's the difference between simulation and genuine civic engagement. Students weren't just practicing skills for someday. They were contributing to conversations happening right now.
About LearnIt Solutions
LearnIt Solutions partners with Ontario school boards and independent schools to deliver experiential learning programs and SHSM certifications. We work with 20+ school boards and corporate partners to help students develop real world skills and career clarity. Learn more at www.learn-it.ca.
As part of LearnIt Media, we also amplify education innovation stories through our "Behind the Chalkboard" podcast, featuring conversations with Ontario superintendents, principals, and education leaders reimagining student learning.
Founder Dhiraj Hariramani
CEO & Chief Learning Officer, LearnIt Solutions Inc.
Dhiraj founded LearnIt to bridge the gap between classroom theory and career readiness. A UBC graduate and consultant at Accenture, he has directly impacted 10,000+ students across Ontario school boards.
As host of the Behind the Chalkboard podcast, Dhiraj facilitates conversations with education leaders exploring innovation, equity, and student centered approaches to learning.
Connect: LinkedIn | dhiraj@learn-it.ca | +1 (236) 788 6830