January 11, 2008

Education initiative has stemmed secondary school dropout rates in Durham Region

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College will celebrate 70 high school students next week who have completed their studies at the Centre for Success, a program at the college’s Oshawa campus designed to decrease dropout rates by building pathways to post-secondary education.

This event marks yet another significant milestone for the program that has grown exponentially since it began as a pilot project in 2006. Since that first class from J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax, the program has yielded remarkable results, more than tripled its enrolment and garnered support from several school boards, as well as other colleges and universities.

“For many reasons, high school students can become disengaged from the classroom experience and become at risk of not achieving their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD),” said Kathy Rhodes, a Durham College professor and facilitator of the Centre for Success. “This program wouldn’t be possible without the positive relationships that exist among our partners, from parents and teachers to administrators and school boards.”

Supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities’ School College Work Initiative, the Centre for Success engages students, offering an opportunity to study outside of the high school environment and consider their post-secondary options. Students gain a front-line view of why the student experience comes first at Durham College, including having access to student support systems and amenities, small classes and hands-on teaching, all while completing their high school diploma.

“At Durham College we are committed to providing students with an excellent academic experience that includes offering the best educational pathways to suit their individual needs,” says Rhodes. “The Centre for Success reflects that mission, enabling students to get a very real sense about what life at college is all about while encouraging them to obtain their OSSD and graduate with their peers.”

When:
Wednesday, January 16
2:30 p.m.

Who:
Leah Myers, president, Durham College;
Kathy Rhodes, professor and facilitator of the Centre for Success, Durham College;
Representatives from Durham and Durham Catholic district school boards, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board; and
High school students, teachers and principals.

Where:
Simcoe building cafeteria

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe and proceed to Founders 1 parking lot.

For more information:
Sarah Daniel
Communications and Marketing
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2333
C: 905.213.2735 (contact number during the event)
sarah.daniel@durhamcollege.ca

 

 

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