Palliser student gets taste of University research work over summer
LETHBRIDGE – Vanessa Boone isn’t the least bit envious of schoolmates who might be enjoying a lazy summer off.
The 16-year-old is among seven southern Alberta high school students in the midst of six weeks of hands-on research work at the University of Lethbridge as part of the Heritage Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) program.
“I wouldn’t say it’s taking away from my summer. I think it’s added a great experience,” says the Picture Butte High School student, who would find no lack of chores to do on the family farm if she wasn’t busy on the university campus.
The goal of the HYRS program is to provide Grade 11 students with a glimpse of the university experience so they can prepare themselves for life after high school, says U of L co-ordinator Brett Weighill. That includes taking the right classes in their Grade 12 year, and taking advantage of scholarship opportunities and career supports available.