Student Success

Democracy Worldview earns first place at In-Class Projects Showcase

A group of people putting their hands up in the air in celebration.

Students from the first, second and third place teams celebrate their wins with Kristine Dawson, Philip Dawe and Jed Looker, coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design program.

Learners from the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design program took first place for their project, Democracy Worldview, at the In-Class Projects Showcase, held at the Ottawa Campus on Aug. 3. The research project centred on how to prevent the erosion of trust in elections, as well as how inaccurate information can be addressed in the electoral process to build public trust. Second place went to We Vibe Phase 2, with third place going to AI Brand Recognition Machine Learning Project.

At the event, more than 50 student teams exhibited their applied research projects, ranging from robotics, artificial intelligence, fundraising, civic engagement and much more. The projects were created in collaboration with industry, institutional and community partners, bridging the gap between education and employment while providing a glimpse into the future of technology and the current state of innovation.
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Northern Youth Abroad students learn culinary, carpentry skills at Ottawa Campus

For three weeks in July, Northern youth aged 16-22 from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut travel to the Ottawa Campus to build career and life skills in the Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) Next program. This year, 21 participants are living on campus while they volunteer in the community, receive individual career coaching, and develop public speaking and presentation skills. They leave the program with high school credits, career preparedness, and the experience of living on a college campus.  Continue reading

AC student Kimana Mar wins gold at 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games  

Just 23 years old, Algonquin College student Kimana Mar recently represented Canada at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin. From June 17 to June 25, Mar joined a staggering 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers to take part in the experience of a lifetime.

As a rhythmic gymnast, Mar has spent over a decade honing her craft — last month’s summer games served as an opportunity to showcase her years of hard work and dedication.

Mar achieved outstanding success at the Games, winning five gold medals and one silver medal in the top division: one individual gold for level 4 ball; one individual gold for level 4 clubs; one individual gold for level 4 ribbon; one individual silver for level 4 rope; one individual gold for all around level 4 gymnast; and one team gold for group floor.

Kimana Mar holds up her hands in celebration at the Special Olympic World Summer Games in Berlin. Mar wears a red, Team Canada jacket, her medals and a smile.

Source: Special Olympic Canada

Her success at the Games is a testament to her hours of hard work. In any given week Mar is dedicating five to six days toward gymnastics, fitness, ballet, and mental skills training all while juggling a rigorous academic schedule.

“I am very proud to have won these medals for Canada and that all my hard work leading up to the games paid off. It was incredible to feel the emotions and excitement of representing Canada and meeting athletes from around the world,” said Mar. “The team gold medal that the Canadian rhythmic gymnastics team won for the group floor routine means a lot to me because we came from across Canada, bonded as friends, and did it together. It feels amazing.”

Congratulations, Kimana! Algonquin College is proud to be a part of your incredible journey.