A sense of pride and excitement filled the Armoury at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on April 16, as the College’s Youth in Care Gala brought students from across the region together for an evening of celebration and recognition.
Attendees walked the red carpet in the Armoury for NC’s Youth in Care Gala.
Organized by NC’s Access and Inclusion recruitment team, the gala honoured the achievements of youth aged 14 to 21 who participated in the Learning Like Champions initiatives throughout the 2025 -2026 academic year. These programs are designed to support youth in care as they prepare for postsecondary education, equipping them with the tools, confidence and knowledge to pursue their goals.
Dressed in formal wear provided through the Education Foundation of Niagara’s Prom Project, a program offering free prom attire to students in the Niagara region, attendees walked the red carpet into The Armoury, which had been transformed into an elegant gala space. Black and gold décor, floral centrepieces and a photo wall set the stage for an evening that celebrated the accomplishments of each attendee.t”This celebration shines a spotlight on the strength and achievements of these remarkable students,” said Ian Aikenhead, Director, Student Recruitment.
“They’ve embraced new opportunities, built confidence, and taken important steps toward their goals and the entire NC community is proud to celebrate alongside them.”
The evening’s theme, “Growing Together Stronger,” was woven throughout the event, reflecting both personal growth and the power of community support.
“The theme ‘Growing Together Stronger’ reflects both the individual growth of the youth we support and the collective impact of the community around them,” said Sherilyn Brown, Access and Inclusion – Project Supervisor. “It speaks to building confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging, while recognizing that meaningful support systems play a key role in their success.”
NC’s Recruitment team were all smiles at the Youth in Care Gala.
Throughout the year, participants engaged in the Ontario Education Champion Team (OECT) initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at increasing awareness, participation and success for youth in care across all levels of education while preparing them for future employment. The OECT brings together partners including Family and Children’s Services, the John Howard Society of Niagara, the District School Board of Niagara, the Niagara Catholic District School Board, Brock University and Niagara College.
Participants took part in a wide range of programming designed to build both academic readiness and life skills. Workshops on financial aid, scholarships, budgeting and application processes helped students navigate pathways to college and university, while postsecondary exploration opportunities included campus tours, open houses and academic upgrading sessions at Niagara College and Brock University.
This year’s gala also marked a significant milestone: the first year of full, renewable tuition support through Niagara College’s Strong Students, Stronger Futures Scholarship. Covering tuition and ancillary fees for eligible First Nations and Former Youth in Care (FYIC) students, the scholarship represents an important step forward in expanding access to postsecondary education.
The evening concluded with an inspiring keynote address from Cheyanne Ratnam, Co-Founder and CEO of the Ontario Children’s Advancement Coalition and a former youth in care. Drawing from her lived experience, she shared a powerful message about perseverance, equity and the importance of creating opportunities for young people navigating the care system.
Together, these efforts culminated in a memorable evening that not only celebrated achievements but also reinforced a shared commitment to empowering youth in care, proving that when a community comes together, it truly grows stronger.
