January 9, 2009

Successful initiative creates pathways to post-secondary education

OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College will help recognize the success of more than 100 high school students next week as they celebrate the completion of their studies at the Centre for Success, a program designed to decrease dropout rates by engaging students in a college environment and demonstrate the many pathways available to post-secondary education.

This year’s event marks the third successful year for the educational initiative that began as a pilot project in 2006 at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax. The project has grown exponentially since then, more than quadrupling its original enrolment and developing support and partnerships from numerous school boards, colleges and universities along the way. By completing the program, most of this year’s graduates will have fulfilled their Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements, as well as successfully completed one college course.

“The Centre for Success gives students an opportunity to not only complete their secondary school diplomas but also to experience success at the college level,” said Kathy Rhodes, a professor with the Durham College School of Communication, Language & General Studies and facilitator of the Centre of Success. “It is incredibly motivating for students interested in pursuing a post-secondary education and is an excellent example of how colleges and school boards can work together to create opportunities for students.”

The Centre for Success is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ School College Work Initiative and offers students an opportunity to study outside of their high school environment and consider their post-secondary options. As students complete their high school diploma, they find out why the student experience comes first at Durham College, including having access to support systems and amenities, small classes and hands-on teaching.

When:
Wednesday, January 14
1:30 p.m.

Who:
Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, Durham College
Kathy Rhodes, professor and facilitator of the Centre for Success, Durham College;
Representatives from school boards in Durham Region and Northumberland County; and
High school students, teachers and principals.

Where: 
Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre gymnasium
Durham College
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ont.

Parking:
Enter off Conlin Road and proceed to Founders 3 parking lot.

For more information contact:
Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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