New program gives high school students head start on university

Cowichan Valley grade12 students can get a head start on their university education.

Malaspina University-College and School District #79 (Cowichan Valley) are launching the University Enrichment Initiative in September 2007. Up to 21 seats in first-year university courses at the Cowichan campus will be reserved for grade 12 students. Students can choose from courses in anthropology, sociology, criminology, creative writing and art history.

“We’ve selected courses that have a high level of transferability and apply to a wide variety of Bachelor degree programs,” said Maria Lauridsen, Interim Campus Principal at the Cowichan campus. “This new initiative adds to the array of options for motivated grade 12 students interested in an enriching experience.”

Malaspina and School District #79 (Cowichan Valley) piloted the new initiative this year. Two grade 12 students from Frances Kelsey Secondary completed regular grade 12 programming during the day, and a university credit course at night.

“It was neat to have this opportunity while still in high school,” said grade 12 student Brita Robson, who recently completed first-year sociology at Malaspina. “I enjoyed participating in a small group research project. We looked at education trends in elementary and middle schools in regard to class sizes, technology in schools, and health, and did a poster presentation. It was a good learning experience.”

Grade 12 student Emily Ramsey completed two sociology courses at Malaspina this year. “The experience gave me a good idea of what to expect next year,” she said. Ramsey plans to enroll at Malaspina’s Cowichan campus in September.

“That’s precisely the purpose of this new initiative,” said Lauridsen. “It will help students make successful transitions from high school to post-secondary education. Making that transition can be difficult for some students, and cause them unnecessary worry or anxiety during the summer months after grade 12. This initiative gives them a head start on their post-secondary studies and eliminates the mystique around making the transition.”

School District #79 is accepting applications until May 14 from students in grade 11 who want to sign up for the University Enrichment Initiative next September.  Interested students should speak to their high school principals or counselors. Officials at School District #79 will forward names of selected students to Malaspina.

To qualify for admission to the University Enrichment Initiative students must have earned at least three A’s and one B in grade 11 academic subjects. “We’re looking for motivated, university bound students who thrive in an enriched environment,” said Lauridsen.

Pat Duncan, Acting Director of Middle and Secondary Education for School District #79, said the new University Enrichment Initiative offers “huge advantages” to high school students.

“Not only can they experience university, they earn course credit,” said Duncan. “We hope the program will encourage more high school students to carry on their post-secondary education right here locally at Malaspina’s Cowichan campus. It’s a perfect opportunity to study close to home.”

This isn’t the first time Malaspina and School District #79 have partnered on a project to benefit high school students. A joint program to encourage high school students to pursue careers in trades training began three years ago. Spaces are reserved each year in Malaspina’s carpentry program at the Cowichan campus for grade 12 students on track to graduate. Starting this September, spaces will also be reserved in the Culinary Arts and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning programs.

For more information about the University Enrichment Initiative or trades training opportunities for high school students, call (250) 746-3500.