On Air Now

  • 519-537-1047

U of Guelph Researchers Studying Fusion Centre

Researchers at the University of Guelph are putting the Fusion Youth Centre under the microscope. Several studies are underway looking at how the Fusion Youth Centre is impacting the youth that visit the centre, and what impact that is having on their families, and the Town of Ingersoll. Fusion is widely regarded as a one-of-a-kind Youth Centre in the country. Associate Professor with the School of Rural Extension Studies, Dr. Al Lauzon, and a team of student researchers have been already interview the youth at the centre. At the moment, they're looking at inclusiveness, health impacts and self esteem of the youth involved at Fusion. Fusion offers, like cooking, music and computers, but Dr. Lauzon says the impact of the programs likely runs deeper. "Not just the development of the particular skills, but how does it affect the youth both psychologically and socially, participating in those program." Dr. Lauzon says they're also looking at how Fusion can be emulated in other communities. "Looking at the development of Fusion. How did Fusion happen? The intent in that is understanding the process so the government can then look at what I call 'policy leverage points'. So how can we support the development of these types of places most effectively." The Guelph researchers have 3-years of research funding to look at the outcomes of the Fusion Centre.

More from Local News

Weather