| 11 January 2007, Belleville, Ontario—The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and Quinte Adult Education announce the launch of a specialized cooperative education program for people who have left secondary school without a diploma. Participants complete course work on-line while using their current job as a co-op placement. Upon successful completion of the program, participants earn three credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
“The specialized cooperative education program provides an opportunity for those who have left school early to become re-engaged in an educational program which respects their need for paid employment and desire to continue their education,” explains Cindy Rymes, Coordinator of Co-operative Education Programs with HPEDSB.
In Semester 2 of the 2005-06 school year, board piloted the Specialized Cooperative Education Program with students who had been out of school for at least three months, who were within three credits of graduating, and who were employed full or part time.
“Of the seven students in the program, five earned their three credits and received their OSSD,” reports Jeff Richardson, Coordinator of eLearning Programs. “We are pleased to make this program available to a broader clientele this school year, including people accessing the Quinte Adult Education Centre.”
To be eligible to participate in the Specialized Coop Program, applicants must be at least 16 years of age and out of school for at least one semester. Applicants must also be employed or volunteering in a stable environment. Regular and dependable access to the Internet is also required. Credits can be obtained through Adult Education courses, eLearning, or by enrolling in secondary school.
Richardson credits the success of the pilot program to fact that students were already employed. “Employers were very supportive of this initiative,” states Richardson. “The employer directly benefits from a more educated workforce, and an employee who is motivated to perform well at their job because they are now earning high school credits in addition to being paid for their work.”
For more information on the program, visit http://www.hpedsb.on.ca/learnwhileyouearn or call Quinte Adult Education at 613-962-3133.
The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 18,000 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.
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For information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170, or 1 800 267-4350, ext. 2354
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