ESPANOLA- For over eight years, Espanola High School’s Spartan Youth Radio has been producing video and audio programming that has reached audiences on every continent and featured incredible stories of interest to the youth of Northern Ontario. The students involved in the program have met author Margaret Atwood, astronaut Chris Hatfield, native leader Shawn Atleo, comedian Rick Mercer, Survivorman Les Stroud, LGBT advocate Jeremy Dias, actor Tyrese Gibson, bands such as Billy Talent, Mother Mother and more.
Despite its successes, staff advisor Jayson Stewart felt overwhelmed by the project, which had grown so big but lacked the students to keep it moving forward. “It was with a heavy heart that I decided to close Spartan Youth Radio, but it was time to try something new, something that could have an even bigger impact on the lives of the kids in our school” he said.
From the ashes rises a new project, an exciting new opportunity for the young people of the North Shore: THE LAUNCHPAD.
“The Launchpad is a place where students can gather to network, to breath life into whatever idea tickles their fancy,” says Stewart. “It is a service where kids are mentored and helped to make their dreams come true”, he explained. “If a student needs a place to work on a project, we have the space and the materials. If a student wants to organize a fundraiser for a local charity, we have the know-how. If a student has a project they want to create, a business they want to launch or a skill they want to share or learn, the Launchpad is there for them,” he explained.
From something as small as wanting to print off a resume to something larger like saving the world, the Launchpad will commit its resources and contacts to help youth achieve their dreams.
Two services offered by The Launchpad, which are already proving to be well received, include:
- a JOB BOARD FOR TEENS that list employment and volunteer opportunities. Ads are free. http://www.dreamlaunching.com/job-board
- a SERVICE FOR HIRE program that matches skilled students with paid opportunities. The Espanola Rivermen, the Espanola Figure Skating Club and the Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School 50+1 Anniversary have all hired The Launchpad and its students to film events and design websites. Teenagers are paid and earn valuable job experience and donations are made to The Launchpad.
“I am very proud of what Spartan Youth Radio did over it’s eight year run,” says Stewart, “but I am even more excited about all the adventures we can have, all the good we can do, through an organization like The Launchpad.”
Please visit http://www.dreamlaunching.com for more information on what The Launchpad has to offer, how local businesses and organizations can help and benefit and how this project is another example of the innovation and creativity of Espanola High School’s students and staff.
The Launchpad will continue its vibrant partnership with local sponsors The Espanola Rivermen, U-View Realty, Town of Espanola, Flymart, One Tot Stop Daycare and the Espanola Legion. New sponsors and partnerships are always needed.
