March 16, 2010

Provincial government initiative provides unique educational support systems; access to bursaries

OSHAWA, ON. – As part of the provincial government’s initiative to support students who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary education, Durham College has received $216,000 in funding from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The initiative was first introduced into 35 post-secondary institutions across the province during the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic years through a series of First Generation pilot projects valued at $7.33 million. The projects focused on outreach, pre- and post-admission support and end-to-end support.

This year the government is investing an additional $3 million into First Generation bursaries and $2.5 million into an eLearn Network designed to create better access to online education for first generation students.

“Thanks to this tremendous funding from the provincial government, Durham College is significantly increasing its ability to communicate the many benefits of post-secondary education and training to first generation students,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “In addition, access to new bursary monies will enable more students than ever before to take advantage of the high-quality educational experience that Durham College has to offer and begin a new path to post-secondary education for themselves and their families.”

The initial government funding enabled Durham College to develop a number of support services for first generation students including student and parent web pages; orientation events; and informative print resources such as A Year on Campus (the parent and family calendar) and First, a monthly newsletter featuring information about upcoming social events, important dates and more.

In addition, the college introduced a first generation student co-ordinator position to respond to the unique needs and requirements of first generation students helping to ensure a positive educational experience.

“We remain committed to ensuring our current and future first generation students have access to great supports, high-quality education and a vibrant student experience during their time with us,” said Margaret Greenley, vice-president, Student Affairs.

The college also developed an E-mentoring program for first generation students that offers a direct connection to the first generation student co-ordinator. The program provides students with a direct contact on campus and ensures that they are kept informed as they tackle their first year of college.

In addition, a new online learning program was developed with a focus on five modules: academic culture; basic technology supports; keys to success; subject-specific supports; and English as a Second Language (ESL) conversation partners. The five-module program provides first generation students with academic support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The funding introduced in 2010 will support the recently established First Generation bursaries which range in value from $1,500 to $3,000 and provide direct support to students who demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements.

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About Durham College 
At Durham College, the student experience comes first, an approach it has taken for more than 40 years. Through a vast range of market-driven programs that are taught by exceptional professors with real-world experience, students develop the skills required to meet the ever-changing needs of employers and the job market. Moving forward, Durham College’s expansion plans will see its Whitby campus grow by 40,000 square feet. Phase 1 of the construction features an energy-neutral living laboratory for new technologies and education that will serve the growing needs of the emerging energy sector. Phase 2 will increase the size of the Skills Training Centre to create classroom and laboratory space to support new program development, and Phase 3 will be a Food Centre designed to house culinary arts programs; a food and agricultural component; a food processing centre and agriculture and science laboratories. Durham College has more than 7,000 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and more than 1,400 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.caor call 905.721.2000.

Media contact: 
Michelle Roebuck
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College

michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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