Nathan WiebeThe United Way helped set science student Nathan Wiebe on the track to success at the University of Windsor.

Donors support cradle-to-career anti-poverty strategy

United Way donors helped Nathan Wiebe find his way to science studies at the University of Windsor.

In his last year of high school, he says, he was feeling “pretty lost and confused” about his future, but the On Track to Success program helped him route a map to post-secondary education.

“Right away I had access to tutoring, workshops, and a success coach that helped outline exactly how I could get to university,” Wiebe recalls. “Because of On Track, I was able to actually visit the campus, find out where my classes would be, and talk to current students ahead of September.”

He says the support helped him to realize he could succeed in pursuit of his goals.

“These activities gave me a sense of clarity and really helped me to literally visualize myself as a student at the University of Windsor,” says Wiebe. “It made it feel real for the first time and it took away a lot of the stress and anxiety I was previously feeling.

“I’m really grateful to the donors and everyone who has helped make this incredible program possible!”

The Campus Campaign for United Way runs through Friday, March 31. Faculty and staff will receive an email with a personalized link to donate. Employee donors, including those already signed up as continuous contributors, will be entered into a draw for an extra vacation day.

An extra vacation is also up for grabs by staff and faculty who attend the raising of the United Way flag at 10 a.m. today — Monday, March 27 — outside Chrysler Hall Tower.

The event will kick off a week of activities to encourage learning about and giving to United Way. Volunteers will staff a table in the student centre commons March 27 to 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept donations and sell raffle tickets toward prizes of Apple AirPod headphones, personal training sessions at the Toldo Lancer Centre, and a package of UWindsor swag. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20, with payment accepted by cash or card. Buying a campaign T-shirt or ball cap for $20 will earn students as well as employees a ballot in a draw for an eight-month campus parking pass.

Learn more on the Campus Campaign for United Way website.