For the first time in its 25-year history, Brandon University's Mini University program will begin offering popular courses for ages 9-16 during the school year.

“As part of our expansion plans, year-round Mini U has been a long time in coming,” said Dr. Nancy Stanley, Director of Mini University. “It has always been our intention to offer our fun, hands-on programming to kids outside of summer holidays.”

Mini U will run its Gamers' and Game Designer courses during the upcoming spring break from March 29 to April 1. In addition, courses in such topics as creative writing, kickboxing, guitar, movie making, English as an Additional Language, and European-style board games will be offered on consecutive Saturdays from April 10 to May 8.

“We're starting with a selection of our more popular courses, with plans to offer more choices next fall and winter,” said Ivah Gallagher, Program Assistant. “We also wanted participants to have the flexibility to come for a full or half-day of courses.”

Riding on the success of its maiden year, the Kiwanis Kids Leadership Challenge program will also be offered during the Saturday sessions.

“We definitely appreciate all of the guidance and financial support from the Kiwanis Club of Brandon with getting the program off the ground,” said Dr. Stanley. “We're also very pleased with the feedback from participants. It really showed how much they enjoyed and learned from Kiwanis Kids last summer.”

For both the spring break and Saturday sessions, course will take place at Brandon University and run from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Supervision of participants is provided from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and over the lunch hour. Registration fees are $85 per half-day course.

To register or for more information on the new Mini U program, please phone (204) 727-9636 or visit: brandonu.ca/miniu.