Fanshawe Celebrates Pilot Partnership With Secondary School Boards

The end of May was an exciting time for 22 high school students. At a dinner with family, friends, Fanshawe faculty and high school teachers, they celebrated the completion of the "School-College-Work Initiative" (SCWI) program at Fanshawe.

Award-winners Joe Adams, Harley Johnston, Alanna Sherwood, Tonisha Lail, Reveena White, Darci Davidon, and Robbie Chaplin.

The pilot project gave these at-risk students the opportunity to complete up to four college-level courses and apply them toward their high school diploma. Called "dual-credits", they are also eligible for future post-secondary programs.

Identified as not likely to graduate from the traditional high school system, they began studies at Fanshawe last September, while working with a high school teacher to complete secondary school credits at the same time. Studies have shown that students in these programs typically respond to learning in the adult environment they experience at college.

Marilyn Willis, curriculum consultant at Fanshawe said, "We are pleased to be working on this program, especially when we see such positive results. This experience can truly make a difference to the student’s future."

The following students were presented with awards at the dinner:

• Construction Award of Distinction: Robbie Chaplin
• AutoCAD Award of Distinction: Tonisha Lail
• Electronics Award of Distinction: Harley Johnston
• Motive Power Award of Distinction: Darci Davidson
• Orientation Award of Distinction: Joe Adams
• Citizenship Award: Reveena White
• Academic Achievement Award: Alanna Sherwood

Fanshawe expects to offer two classes next year - one with college courses related to technology and one with human services.

Funding for this program was provided through a grant program with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.