February 2, 2010 - Investments at Northern College Create More Opportunity for Youth

Northern College has received $284,000 for First Generation pilot projects and $17,203 for First Generation bursaries in order to provide area youth with a range of innovative supports to encourage them to pursue postsecondary education or training, and to support first generation students’ success.

“Ontario’s economic success depends on our ability to mine the gifts and talents of all our citizens. Promoting educational opportunities for youth strengthens Ontario families and will help secure a prosperous future for the province,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Minister of Research and Innovation.

Northern College will be focusing on the following projects:

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition - The engagement of adult and mature learners is of paramount importance to Northern College and the success of Northern communities. An enhanced Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process will bring new First Generation Students (FGS) into the realm of post-secondary education by encompassing all areas of prior experience including all realms of learning such as traditional First Nations teaching, life skills and formal training. The renewed and innovative PLAR system will engage first generation learners by encouraging them to turn their experiences into college credits to gain confidence and additional support through enhanced standing.

Healing Circles and Retreats - The healing circle is focused on helping First Generation Aboriginal male students to improve upon their situation through personal development. Relationship building and social inclusion will come together with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal concepts to facilitate effective learning. First Generation Aboriginal women’s retreats will take place and include facilitation by a First Nations community member who is familiar with the college setting. Life skills, social adaptation, interpersonal integration and education are the main focus of these workshops.

First Year Experience Office - The goal of the First Year Experience Office is to help First Generation Students make the transition and adjust to college life.

Other anticipated projects include a mobile team that will travel to aboriginal communities and respond to the needs of the prospective First Generation learners, a mentoring program, and the establishment of support groups.

“I am pleased to see this learning opportunity being offered here in Northern Ontario. It is important to offer this first generation of learners the access to higher learning while providing a community and social support system that will help the students to achieve success,” said David Ramsay, MPP for Timiskaming Cochrane.

“We are extremely pleased with the Provincial Government’s commitment of funding to this series of new initiatives at Northern College. Providing increased access for students of all abilities to study and succeed in their chosen college program is foundational to developing the capacity of our future workforce,” said Northern College President Fred Gibbons.


Media Contacts:

Pierrette Fortier,
President’s Office
(705) 235-7136

Or

Carole Belanger,
Communications Officer
705) 235-3211 ext. 2253

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