Attracting more than 50 learning facilitators from across the province, Durham College recently hosted the 6th annual Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) Provincial Conference from May 8 to 10. The conference was designed to expand on existing initiatives that advocate for students who need extra support in the classroom as part of the college’s two-year CICE program.

CICE program liaison and field placement officer Karen Anderson spoke to the group about the many benefits of the existing program and the future initiatives that they hope to implement at Durham College and across the province.

“Our program is for students who won’t graduate with a diploma on their own, said Anderson.  “They wouldn’t be able to come to college without our program.”

The key note speaker for the conference was MPP for Whitby-Oshawa Christine Elliot, who has a personal interest in CICE as her son, John recently graduated from the program.

“The CICE program gives students an opportunity to get training, meet friends and get a job,” Elliott said. “John is going to be graduating with opportunities for a job and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for my family.”

“This program has turned my son into who he is today.”

CICE graduate Scott Franklin, pulled on the heartstrings of everyone in attendance with his touching words and gratitude for those involved with the program.

“I miss coming to school everyday and saying hi to everyone. If I didn’t come here (CICE) I wouldn’t be where I am,” he said.

Connie Bell, a learning facilitator at Durham College was one of the many teary-eyed audience members and has seen the wonderful things the program provides.

“Students blossom here. You really see how much they grow from the first day until they leave two years later,” said Bell.  “It’s their choice to be here, and their choice to grow as a person academically and socially.”

Durham College President Don Lovisa, attended the event and spoke about the benefits of the program and the unique opportunities it provides students.

“We are so proud that Durham College has taken a leadership role in offering this program, which is so important to the community,” Lovisa said. “The CICE program provides a unique opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities or significant learning challenges to learn at their own pace at a college level, and to be successful.”