High school students from three local school boards learned hands-on skills at the inaugural SHSM conferences this April (ADRIANA DUQUETTE/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
High school students had the chance to level up their skills this April as the University of Windsor's Faculty of Human Kinetics hosted three inaugural conferences for the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program.
SHSM is an Ontario-wide program that allows students to graduate with skills, knowledge and certifications relevant to one of 19 industry sectors.
“We have been discussing hosting conferences such as this since we were made aware of the SHSM programs,” explained acting associate dean, research and graduate studies in the Faculty of Human Kinetics, Prof. Adriana Duquette.
“It is a wonderful way to bring engaged high school students into the Department of Kinesiology to highlight some of the fantastic work that takes place within our building.”
UWindsor hosted more than 220 high school students over three days from the Greater Essex County District School Board, Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board and Lambton-Kent District School Board. Students participated in hands-on learning with two conferences focused on the health and wellness sector and a third on business.
“Since there are both health and wellness and business SHSM programs in the GECDSB and WECDSB, what better place to host conferences than the department of kinesiology, which has both a BSc in Kinesiology and Health Studies and a Bachelor of Sport Management and Leadership?” said Duquette, who was part of the conference planning committee.
“When there are great synergies between programs, it is important to give the students the opportunity to engage and learn from faculty members in that field,” she continued.
“The Department of Kinesiology and Faculty of Human Kinetics have long-standing partnerships and many ongoing collaborations with the school boards, so it was a natural fit to host these conferences and allow the students the opportunity to earn the certifications they need within their SHSM programs.”
Students in the health and wellness stream earned certification in Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) during a session related to the Adapted Physical Exercise (APEX) Prescription for Special Populations program. They also had their choice of two of three additional certificates in wrapping and taping, heart rate and blood pressure during exercise and exercise prescription.
Business SHSM students completed the ICE session with training on event management and received certifications in equity and inclusion and effective networking.
“The response was exceptional!” Duquette said, adding that many of the teachers who accompanied their students were part of HK’s alumni network.
“Students were knowledgeable and engaged, with a true curiosity and appreciation for what we do within the Department of Kinesiology.”
In addition to the experience gained by the high school students, the conferences also provided training in event management as well as networking opportunities with local teachers and school boards for the undergraduate volunteers, interns and Ignite work study students who helped facilitate the conferences.
“This is particularly helpful for those students who may have aspirations of pursuing careers in education and is another demonstration of the experiential learning opportunities available to students in the Department of Kinesiology,” explained Dr. Jess Dixon, head of the department of kinesiology.
With such a successful first year, the planning committee is hoping to make the SHSM conferences annual events to further strengthen the relationship between the department of kinesiology and local school boards.