NorthStar – Discover Your Future!

Brandon School Division is proud to announce the launch of the NorthStar Project, a new after-school tutoring and mentoring initiative designed to support high school students in reaching their academic and life goals.

Made possible through a Bright Futures expansion grant from Manitoba’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning, NorthStar will provide comprehensive personal, academic and financial support to students beginning in Grade 9. 

NorthStar is modelled after the highly successful Wayfinders Program in the Seven Oaks School Division, which has been operating for more than a decade and has served over 1,200 students. Eighty-five percent of Wayfinders participants graduate on time, and 85 percent transition to post-secondary education following high school. 

“Our hope is to follow in the footsteps of Wayfinders to improve outcomes and expand opportunities for high school students in Brandon,” said Susan Gilleshammer, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. “NorthStar is about helping students discover their passions, build strong connections, and create a clear pathway to graduation and beyond.”

A Comprehensive Support Model

NorthStar will begin with a cohort of 50–60 Grade 9 students who will apply to participate. Students will attend programming after school, with the potential for additional weekend and summer opportunities.

Each student in the project will receive:

• A dedicated Student Parent Support Worker (SPSW) to advocate and work alongside the student and their family
• Homework support from subject-specific volunteers
• Opportunities for mentorship and workplace experiences
• An on-site daily food program and school supplies
• $400 per year toward passion and talent development (e.g., arts lessons, athletics, workshops or camps)
• $1,000 per year (up to $4,000 total) held in trust for post-secondary education

Students commit to consistent participation throughout high school, including weekly homework support, monthly mentorship activities, community service, and regular school attendance.

Building for the Future

The project will grow each year, adding new Grade 9 cohorts and additional staff. By year four, NorthStar will support students at every high school grade level, with dedicated support workers for each cohort.