Take Our Kids to Work Day at UPEI a success for 25 grade nine students
UPEI Human Resources welcomed 25 Grade 9 students from schools across the province for Take Our Kids to Work Day on November 5, 2025.
Take Our Kids to Work Day is an annual event that introduces Grade 9 students to the world of work and provides a day of exploration and inspiration. At UPEI, the day offered a special opportunity for students to explore the University, learn about different career paths, and imagine the kind of future they want to build.
This year’s national theme, “Lift Up the Future,” chosen by the Student Commission of Canada, is a call to support young people as they explore their paths and envision the world they want to create. By encouraging this journey, leaders not only help students uncover their potential but also help to strengthen communities and create a better future for all.
The Take Our Kids to Work Day at UPEI began with the Human Resources department where students reflected on their future ambitions by sharing their career aspirations and how they hope to “lift up” the future.
They then went on a campus tour led by Jane DiCarlo, Manager of Recruitment, visiting highlights such as the Robertson Library, Performing Arts Centre and Residence, and Don and Marion McDougall Hall. They also experienced what it feels like to sit in a university classroom.
At the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE), Dave Taylor, Manager of Operations, guided the students through the state-of-the-art building. They joined FSDE staff and students for a hands-on activity—taking apart and rebuilding broken toys, which is part of an engineering student fundraiser titled Makers Making Change.
The group then visited the Interprofessional Health Education Facility, where Jeff Clow, Director of Academic Affairs, and Heather Howatt, Director of Communications, for the Faculty of Medicine, led a tour of the new facility, including the networking and administration spaces, the Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre, and medical laboratories. Students learned about the innovative spaces, advanced technologies, and collaborative environments that support hands-on learning, interprofessional education, and team-based health-care training at UPEI.
The day wrapped up at the Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall where students enjoyed lunch and participated in a fun activity with Kylah Hennessey, Career Counsellor,Experiential Education, and Krissi Ewing, Student Coordinator, Co-operative Education. They explored career “myth-busting” and reflected on the challenges and opportunities that excite them most about the future.
Reflecting on their experience, Hannah Peters, East Wiltshire Intermediate School, and Isla Richardson, Queen Charlotte Junior High School, agreed that Take Our Kids to Work Day exceeded their expectations.
“Coming to UPEI for this day was amazing! I got to see how big and welcoming the campus is. Everyone was so friendly, and there was so much happening everywhere I looked. I really liked walking through the buildings and seeing the labs and classrooms where students learn,” said Peters. “It made me excited to think that one day I could be studying here too. UPEI feels like a place where people really care about learning and about each other. I hope I get to call it my University in a few years. Thank you to everyone who organized such a fun day for us!”
“The University was amazing! The lecture halls looked straight out of a movie, and the new medical facility had lifelike manikins and special-effects makeup,” said Richardson. “Seeing all the tools and projects in the engineering building really opened my eyes to how people solve real-world problems. I didn’t expect to see such cool technology and stuff like that right here in our province!”
Thank you from UPEI Human Resources:
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the students who participated. We hope you left inspired and excited for the possibilities ahead!
A sincere thank you to all UPEI staff and students who contributed their time and enthusiasm to make this day a success. Your support helped create a memorable and meaningful experience for these young visitors.
Human Resources: Cassie Driscoll, Heather Walsh, Hadiqa Sulman, Tara Watters, Beth Doucette, Lindsay Albert, and Jessica Field
Recruitment and First Year Advising: Jane DiCarlo and Cindy Peng
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering: Dave Taylor, Tin Nguyen, Sandy Doucette, and Lilly O'Rielly (student)
Faculty of Medicine: Jaclyn Sanderson, Meghan Cheverie, Daniel Scott, Ross Doucette, Tammie Muise, Paul Charles, Elliot Christopher, Nicole MacDonald, Jeff Clow, Apryl Munro, Heather Howatt, and Paul Young
Experiential Education: Kylah Henessey, Krissi Ewing, and Megan MacLean
We would also like to thank those behind the scenes who supported this day, including the Office of the Vice-President, People and Culture; Dana Catering; and all those who fielded questions to support a smooth day.
