Durham College (DC) is pleased to share that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Durham District School Board (DDSB) to further partner on transitions, outreach and access programming for secondary school students. DC president Don Lovisa and Mohamed Hamid, superintendent of education for the DDSB, signed the MOU at the college’s Oshawa campus on March 7 with key leadership from both organizations present.

Under the agreement, DC and the DDSB will see an increase in communication and sharing of information and processes in order to support students and help create a smooth transition from high school to post-secondary studies.

Through greater access to DDSB schools, the college will also extend its RISE programming during key periods in the secondary school academic cycle to encourage students to pursue higher education. Part of the Ontario Post-Secondary Access & Inclusion Program (OPAIP), RISE stands for reach, include, support and elevate. Under the portfolio of the college’s Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions (OSDIT), RISE supports current and prospective students who need assistance overcoming barriers that may be preventing them from considering, accessing or pursuing a post-secondary education. Supports include one-on-one coaching, mentoring and dynamic programming.

“This new agreement will help students be better informed and prepared for post-secondary education before they start the application process,” said Shauna Moore, OSDIT student success coach. “By becoming more aware of the doors that are open for them through transition programming, they will be ready to hit the ground running when they arrive at DC.”

The MOU will also allow for future experiential learning opportunities for DC students, strengthen working relationships with the DDSB and enhance diversity and accessibility practices at DC and the DDSB.