Communications students became communications strategies as they collaborated with the City of Oshawa to develop a plan to encourage the City’s youth to get involved in their community for their Youth Ambassador program.  

In COMM 3000Y/4000Y: Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone at the Trent University Durham GTA campus, third- and fourth-year students took the lead in a community engagement project, working alongside communications professionals from the City of Oshawa as part of a TeachingCity partnership.

“The goal of the capstone was to give students a chance to work on something with an outside partner to practice what it would be like if you were working in the field,” said Liv Brown, a fourth-year Communications student. 

Over two semesters, Liv and her peers researched similar youth ambassador programs in other regions and municipalities, developed a strategy, and a promotion and recruitment plan. At the end of each semester, the students produced a report on their progress and conclusions.   

The students received valuable feedback and advice from the City’s Communications team throughout the year, which helped them improve their strategies, develop industry knowledge, and boost their confidence in their abilities to work as a professional. 

“Having such a small Capstone class meant that we were working as colleagues to come up with and develop this new strategy,” she said. 

Communicatons professor, Dr. Christopher Cwynar, said, “When students collaborate with community organizations, they can directly see how the theoretical concepts they work with at university are being applied in dynamic, real-world situations. Such collaborations play a critical role in bringing together theory and practice." 

Learn more about Trent University Durham’s Communications program.