FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YMCA to be living classroom for Collège Boréal’s Fitness and Health Promotion program students
April 23, 2025 (Ottawa) — Collège Boréal and the YMCA of the National Capital Region are pleased to announce their new partnership. The YMCA health, fitness and aquatics spaces will be real-life learning environments for Collège Boréal’s Fitness and Health Promotion program students.
This is the first Canadian YMCA to partner with a post-secondary institution on an academic program. This French-language program is already delivered at the Collège Boréal Sudbury campus and is now coming to Collège Boréal’s new Ottawa campus.
The partnership will benefit Collège Boréal students and YMCA members. The YMCA will be a living classroom for these students to acquire expertise in designing health promotion programs, assessing physical activity needs, and communicating effectively with various audiences. These students are preparing for careers in public health, physical education and community wellness.
Students benefit from learning and practicing in real-life environments, as is also done in many teaching environments, including nursing homes, veterinary programs and more.
YMCA members will have opportunities to benefit from the students’ presence and support the students in their studies. There will be YMCA facility enhancements for everyone.
“This new partnership with the YMCA of the National Capital Region highlights the many benefits our students gain when we work together to make the most of our material and human resources,” said Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal. “Our shared goal is to train a workforce that meets the needs of innovative businesses and organizations—like our new partner in Ottawa. Collège Boréal is proud to share this vision with the YMCA to benefit the Ottawa community and our future graduates.”
“We are incredibly proud to be the first YMCA in Canada to partner with a post-secondary institution in this way,” said Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO of the YMCA of the National Capital Region. “This partnership with Collège Boréal brings a unique opportunity to enhance our commitment to health, education, and community. By becoming a living classroom for students in the Fitness and Health Promotion program, we are helping to shape the next generation of wellness professionals, enriching our members’ experience and strengthening the communities we serve.”
Program registration is open. Potential students interested in registering for the September 2025 program can visit the Collège Boréal website.
Available for interview
- Daniel Giroux, President, Collège Boréal (English and French)
- Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO, YMCA National Capital Region (English)
- Morgan Bello, Vice President, People, Culture and Corporate Services (English and French)
- Collège Boréal student (English and French)
- YMCA health, fitness and aquatics client (English and French)
About YMCA National Capital Region
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. Focusing on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life. To learn more, visit ymcaottawa.ca.
About Collège Boréal
Created in Sudbury in 1995, Collège Boréal is a French-language post-secondary institution committed to the development and growth of the various Ontario communities it serves. Through its 37 sites including 8 campuses in 27 communities, Boréal offers a high level of expertise in post-secondary education (with the highest graduation and employer satisfaction rates of Ontario’s 24 community colleges). Its services also include basic training, apprenticeship, immigration and integration services, employment services, customized training and applied research. For more information, visit collegeboreal.ca.
Media contact
For the YMCA: Heather Badenoch, Village PR, 613-859-8232, heather@villagepr.ca
For Collège Boréal: Benoît Clément, Collège Boréal, 705-698-4809, benoit.clement@collegeboreal.ca