Choosing what comes after high school can feel exciting, but also overwhelming. With so many programs, institutions, admission requirements, and career possibilities to consider, students often benefit from hearing directly from people who have already navigated the process.

Future Pathways is designed to help high school students better understand their post-secondary options, ask questions, and make more informed decisions about their next steps.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 26, at Kitchener Public Library and will bring students together for an informative and interactive morning focused on education, planning, and future opportunities.

Exploring Post-Secondary Options

During the program, students will learn more about topics such as:

• Post-secondary education options
• University and college programs
• Admissions and application processes
• High school course selection
• Academic pathways
• Student life and campus experiences

The goal is to give students practical information while helping them better understand how their current choices can connect with future educational opportunities.

Learn From Real Experiences

Guest speaker Azad Boztas will join the program to share insights and perspectives with participating students.

Students will also have the opportunity to meet university students from different academic programs. These conversations will allow high school students to hear directly about university life, program experiences, course choices, and the transition from secondary school to post-secondary education.

Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and take advantage of the opportunity to speak with students who have first-hand experience.

Helping Students Make Connections

Future Pathways is not only about providing information. It is also designed to help young people build connections that can support their future planning.

If a student is interested in a program or area of study that is not represented at the event, the organizing team will work to help connect them with relevant students or individuals after the program whenever possible.

By creating opportunities for conversation and mentorship, Future Pathways aims to make post-secondary planning feel more accessible and less intimidating.

Event Details

Future Pathways

???? Saturday, September 26, 2026
???? 10:30 AM
???? Kitchener Public Library

The event is intended for high school students who want to learn more about post-secondary education and explore the different pathways available to them.

Students are encouraged to register and come prepared with their questions, interests, and ideas for the future.

Future Pathways is about helping young people move forward with greater information, confidence, and connection.

The post Future Pathways Helps High School Students Explore Life After Graduation appeared first on GRFS.

The program brought together 70 youth participants with 27 professionals from a wide range of sectors. Organized around 16 networking tables, the event created a meaningful space for mentorship, dialogue, career exploration, and community connection.

Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to meet professionals, ask questions, hear real career stories, and gain practical insights into different education and career pathways. The program helped youth better understand university and program choices, career opportunities in Canada, and the importance of building strong professional networks.

The event featured professionals from several fields, including employment and career development, non-profit and community services, IT and computer science, engineering, legal and compliance, policing, government and public administration, education, healthcare, business and finance, research and academia, journalism, project management, and community leadership.

NextGen Connect: Learn & Lead reflected GRFS’s commitment to supporting youth through holistic development. At GRFS, we believe young people need access not only to academic and social support, but also to mentorship, leadership opportunities, career guidance, and meaningful community connections.

The event also demonstrated the strength of collaboration between professionals, volunteers, and community leaders who are committed to investing in the next generation. By sharing their experiences and guidance, guest professionals helped participants imagine new possibilities for their future and take practical steps toward their goals.

GRFS sincerely thanks all guest speakers, professionals, community representatives, volunteers, and participants who contributed to the success of the program.

A special thank you goes to the Young Professionals Waterloo Region Team for their leadership, vision, and dedication in organizing this impactful event.

Programs like NextGen Connect: Learn & Lead help build confidence, expand opportunities, and empower youth to connect, learn, and lead.

The post NextGen Connect: Learn & Lead Brings 70 Youth Together with 27 Professionals appeared first on GRFS.