Durham College faculty and staff, in conjunction with teachers and representatives from the Durham District; Durham Catholic; Kawartha Pine Ridge District; and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District school boards celebrated the success of 130 Durham Region secondary school students today as they officially completed the college’s Centre for Success program. 

“This is absolutely one of my favourite days of the year,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Students you should be very proud and parents you should be very proud of your students.”

Hosted at the college’s Oshawa campus through the School College Work Initiative, which is funded by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities – the program encourages students to stay in school and earn their high school diploma by engaging them in a college environment and demonstrating that they can also be successful in post-secondary education.

The program began as a pilot project in 2006 with 14 students and now, in its seventh year, will see almost 300 students enrolled between September and June at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

“I think an event like this is an important reminder that every student is capable of accomplishment,” said Joe Allin, chair, Durham District School Board (DDSB). “We might have to use a different method or timeline but every student is capable of success.”

Students work toward their diplomas while on campus with access to regular college support systems and amenities. In addition to meeting the graduation requirements most students also earn a college credit during their time in the program.

“Being accepted into the Centre for Success was the start of a change in my life,” said Shannon Hachey-Devine, a student from the DDSB. “Being accepted into this program gave me a new mindset. I recognised that I had been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn my education around and begin showcasing my true potential. Being in this program has helped me to discover my goals and because of what I’ve learned this semester I will put forth my best effort during all of my endeavours.”