NEWS RELEASE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HALTON MISSISSAUGA DUFFERIN
**************************
Habitat for Humanity HMD is proud to share that Youth Skilled Trades Program graduates Aaliyah Young-Lalumiere and Ava Sunderland have been awarded the esteemed Schulich Builders Scholarship from the Schulich Foundation. The scholarship recognizes their strong work ethic and character, qualities needed to succeed in the skilled trades industry.
Habitat for Humanity HMD’s Youth Skilled Trades Program is a skills-based educational initiative that empowers high school students through hands-on construction training. In partnership with our local school boards, students engage in the construction of a tiny home, inspiring them to become skilled tradespeople and community leaders.
The Schulich Builders Scholarship is awarded annually to students enrolling in a full-time skilled trades program in Ontario. Recipients are selected based on nominations that demonstrate their hard work and strength of character. The scholarship provides $40,000 to support the costs of tuition, tools, and living expenses.
Aaliyah, a Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School graduate student, participated in the Youth Skilled Trades Program for three years. She intends to study Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation at Mohawk College.
During her time in the program, Aaliyah excelled as a leader and problem-solver, taking on a co-op role as the Tiny Home Program Assistant. She demonstrated exceptional project management skills, created lesson plans to help her peers, and effectively communicated with stakeholders, reflecting her strong commitment to craftsmanship and teamwork.
“Habitat for Humanity's Youth Skilled Trades Program has undoubtedly influenced my decision to pursue the skilled carpentry trade. The program's hands-on experience and exposure to real-world construction projects have ignited a passion for building and problem-solving within me,” said Aaliyah. “...the emphasis on teamwork, community service, and sustainability aligns with my values, making carpentry a fulfilling career path that allows me to contribute positively to society, it is thanks to habitat I was able to acknowledge it was the right choice for me”.
Ava, a Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School graduate, demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and communication skills throughout her time in the Youth Skilled Trades Program. Over three years, she actively contributed to constructing four Tiny Homes, securing a major donor for the Meridian Credit Union program, resulting in $200,000+ donations.
Ava has been a remarkable ambassador for the program, representing it on CBC’s The National and delivering a keynote speech to an audience of 200 people, including MPPs and corporate executives. She will attend Mohawk College to study Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation.
Ava, said, “The Youth Skilled Trades Program has been influential in shaping my career path. I discovered a love for carpentry through the work on the tiny homes and felt a sense of achievement for creating something functional that would actually be used to help people. This program helped me to see the positive influence skilled trades can have on the community and I wish to continue to make a difference with my skills learned throughout this program. I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of a program like this and will forever be grateful for the path it has led me on.”
“We are incredibly proud of Aaliyah and Ava for their achievements and dedication to the skilled trades. Their participation in the Youth Skilled Trades Program highlights the importance of hands-on learning, teamwork, and community service, which are all core values of Habitat for Humanity. These scholarships will help them continue their journey to becoming leaders in the skilled trades, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their communities,” said Eden Grodzinski, CEO of Habitat for Humanity HMD.
"Their passion and commitment inspire all of us at Habitat HMD, and they embody the potential of our Youth Skilled Trades Program to shape the next generation of skilled professionals."
Aaliyah and Ava are exemplary students who have made significant contributions to the success of the Youth Skilled Trades Program. Habitat HMD is excited to see what they accomplish in their future endeavours. Congratulations, Ava and Aaliyah!
Check out this video from YourTV Halton to learn more about the Youth Skilled Trades Program and hear Aaliyah discuss her experience.
**************************