What is the LINK Program?
LINK is a Cooperative Education Program in which high school students create
and deliver dynamic and informative presentations to elementary school students
in Grades 1-8 across the Halton Region.
As a LINK student you are part of a team of students that develops, markets
and delivers a specialized program. Each team represents a sponsoring organization.
You are the individual who LINKS the business world and the schools in partnership.
Life @ LINK
Your work station will be at the sponsoring organization’s site and is equipped
with a computer, a personal phone line and access to any materials needed
to develop the presentation.
Taking on the role of an entrepreneur, you run the program with other Coop
students in your LINK Team. The success of the program is up to you; you only
get out what you put in. The beauty of LINK is the flexibility and freedom.
The opportunities are endless.
Placement Opportunities
Currently there are 6 different LINK teams in operation. All teams will provide
you with rewarding and challenging placements with valuable transferable skills
and a great leadership experience.
The Chemical Crusaders Program is jointly sponsored by the Burlington
Chemical Association and the Oakville/Mississauga C.A.E.R. Group. LINK students
create and deliver a presentation which deals with chemicals, chemical safety
and environmental issues.
The Careers in a Package Program is sponsored by the Packaging Association
of Canada. This program focuses on the development of a presentation based
on the teacher resource Careers in a Package. This placement is ideal for
students with a creative flair interested in teaching, the dramatic arts or
owning their own business.
The Power of Youth Program is sponsored by Oakville Hydro. This
program focuses on conserving energy and how energy relates to the environment.
LINK at Oakville Hydro is ideal for students who are interested in energy
sciences, environmental concerns and electricity.
The Water Wizards Program is sponsored by the Region of Halton Water
Conservation Advisory Committee. This program focuses on the development of
a presentation dealing with the many aspects and properties of water, lake
and well water systems, treatment and the conservation of water. This placement
is great for students who are interested in the environmental sciences.
Nuclear Technology in Our Daily Lives is sponsored by Atomic Energy
of Canada Limited (AECL). This program focuses on the science behind nuclear
technology. Students will help elementary students explore the many uses of
nuclear technology including diagnosing and treating disease, preserving food,
inspecting aircraft engines and many more. This placement is ideal for students
who are interested in environmental issues, energy and health sciences and
technology.
The Made in the Trades Program is sponsored by the Ministry of Training,
Colleges and Universities to increase awareness of Apprenticeship as a post-secondary
school education and training option. Secondary school students will create
and deliver a presentation to elementary students that deals with the many
exiting post secondary opportunities available to earn certification in the
skilled trades. This placement is ideal for students interested in the dramatic
arts, marketing and teaching.
Who’s Involved?
The LINK Program is offered to all Halton District School Board and Halton
Catholic District School Board students as a unique and challenging Cooperative
Education placement. More than 60 Halton students interested in science, technology,
teaching and entrepreneurial experiences have participated since the program
began in 1994. The opportunities in the LINK Program are constantly growing
and new sponsors continue to come on board with exciting and important messages
to be delivered in the classroom.
Is the LINK Program for me?
LINK is ideal for those who don’t like repetitive tasks or sitting at a desk
all day. You work for yourself while representing the organization you are
stationed at and your school district. LINK allows you to get the chance to
move around. You will spend most of your time out of the office visiting classrooms
and industry sties. LINK is also a good way to test how well you manage your
time and freedom.
You leave each classroom with the feeling that you have made a difference
in the community and in other students' lives. LINK is for those looking for
a challenge and a change.
LINK is ideal for those with career interests in:
- Teaching/Training
- Science/Environmental Issues
- Entrepreneurship
- Business/Management
- Dramatic Arts
Skills you will transfer to whatever you do with your life:
- Personal Management
- Team Work
- Communication
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Confidence
Program Planning
- Requires half day Coop in Grade 11 or 12
- If interested, choose course code ZLINK2
How can I get more information?
Visit your School Guidance Counsellor. Your Guidance Counsellor will provide
information about:
- School to Career Programs.
- Parent-Student School to Career Information Evenings.
- Visits to School to Career Programs "in action".
- The School to Career Program application process.
What do I select on my option sheet?
See your School Guidance Counsellor.
School to Career Program Contact Information:
See your School to Career Guidance Counsellor.