S1E8: Lauren Hortie -- The Impact of The Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF)

 

Episode 8, the last episode of the season 1!

 

I interview the coolest woman alive: Lauren Hortie, a teacher of the Oasis Skateboard Factory Alternative Secondary School Program (OSF).

 

OSF is an alternative secondary program within the TDSB that is based on building and marketing skateboards in order for students to earn highschool credits in a ‘real world’ setting.

Alongside the technical aspects of building skateboards, the program teaches entrepreneurial skills to youth. OSF is located within the Scadding Court Community Centre.

 

Check out this Vice piece to gain perspective on the impact OSF has on their youth:

Vice: This Skateboard High School Turns Students Into Entrepreneurs

 

In the past, I have spoken to many individuals who have voiced their criticisms on the education system. I have also witnessed and been subject to adversity in the system; as well as post-secondary institutions.

My goal for this episode was retrieve as much wisdom as possible from Lauren to inspire listeners to pursue unconventional endeavors to reveal the potential and genius within youth.

 

In the interview, Lauren and I speak on:

How a highschool teacher may create an alternative secondary school program

Unfortunately, not from scratch

How OSF's model differs from the conventional model of secondary schools

The success stories Lauren has witnessed

Building connections with at-risk youth

And much more

 

For more information on OSF, please visit the sites listed below:

http://oasisskateboardfactory.blogspot.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/OasisSkateboardFactory/

http://www.alt9.ca/oasis-skateboard-factory.html

 

IG:

@oasisskateboardfactory 

@lvfpod