Confederation College Media Release
July 16, 2015, Thunder Bay, ON – This month Confederation College is helping 185 high school students get their academics back on track through a partnership with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and Lakehead Public Schools. The Summer C.L.A.S.S. (Centre for Learning and Student Success) program welcomes students entering grades 10-12 to participate in free credit recovery courses. Growing in numbers each year since launching in 2013, Summer C.L.A.S.S. is now reaching more than double the number of student it did in its first year.
85 of the participating students who are entering grades 11-12 will get to recover their missed high school credit plus earn a college one, with one of four dual credit courses being offered, also at no cost to students.
New this year is the Digital Photography and Video dual credit class, which introduces students to the basics of photography and video using a digital camera. Students will learn the camera's most important controls, explore the elements of basic composition and more. With a full roster, 18 students are enrolled in this dual credit program. One such lucky student is Sierra Gilbert from Westgate C & V.I., who is entering grade 12 this fall.
“I take a lot of selfies, and enjoy taking pictures on adventures with my friends; I am even getting a professional camera for my birthday,” she said. “I have only ever used my phone, so I really like that this class is covering the camera basics in lighting and the adjustments needed to take a quality picture. I really look forward to learning more about the cameras and getting more hands on experiences through this course.”
Gilbert added, “The dual credit program is helping me to get back on track with school so I can pursue the nursing program at Confederation College after graduating.”
In addition to recovering credits, and for some, earning college credits, Summer C.L.A.S.S. is a unique opportunity for high school students to experience college without missing any time during the school year. Through the support of School, College, Work Initiative (SCWI) this program offers a summer experience where students can achieve credits and gain the skills and confidence to make informed decisions for a college future.
“Summer C.L.A.S.S. provides students of both school boards a chance to get a glimpse of what college life would be like, while also meeting their high school requirements through credit recovery,” said Jim Keyes, a Summer C.L.A.S.S. teacher. “It’s great preparation for the students’ transition to post-secondary education. We have seen great success with the program and our numbers continue to grow each year.”
There are four classes that are being offered through the dual-credit portion of the program this year. They include:
• Easy, Healthy Cooking – learning to prepare healthy, nutritious meals.
• Applications for College Success – developing skills to be able to use required college computer applications like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Tastes of Skilled Trades – introducing students to a variety of skilled trades such as carpentry, welding and motive powers.
• Digital Photography and Video - introduces students to the basics of photography and video using a digital camera. Students will explore the elements of basic composition, so that emphasis will be placed on capturing the perfect images.
Some of the above courses are required for some college programs. Summer C.L.A.S.S. runs for three weeks until July 24th.
