Hundreds of proud family members and friends were on hand at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa campus on Thursday, June 16 to celebrate the accomplishments of the newest group of students from the Centre for Success (CFS) program. Now in its ninth year, this unique initiative is a partnership between DC and four local school boards – Durham District School Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge School District Board, Durham Catholic District School Board and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.

The initiative is designed to enable in-risk secondary school students to complete their high school academic requirements in a college setting, offering them access to smaller class sizes, flexible schedules and increased one-to-one access to teachers. In addition, it provides an opportunity for students to earn at least one and potentially more college credits toward their post-secondary education at Durham College. This year, 92 per cent of participants successfully completed the program, which exceeds the provincial average of approximately 85 per cent at other dual credit college programs in Ontario.

DC president Don Lovisa praised the more than 120 students who completed the program, which began in February. He pointed out that many of the students had overcome personal hardships to reach this important milestone and offered them some words of advice for their future.

“Never be afraid to ask for help,” Lovisa told the audience. “Chances are someone will always be around to help you. You’ve taken an important step by working with your teachers here to get ready for the next stage in your life, where there will be new people to help you along the way.”

The students who completed the program were unanimous in their praise for the Centre for Success.

“The CFS made us feel like real college students,” said Micheline Poole of Bowmanville. “Students who may have had trouble in a traditional high school can come here and, like me, thrive. Good luck to all my peers on your journey to success.”

High fives, handshakes and hugs were the order of the day as each of the students were called to the podium to receive their competition certificates. For the students who have achieved a goal that many of them once thought was unobtainable, it was a day for celebration and one they won’t soon forget.

Alli McDougall of Oshawa echoed those sentiments: “The Centre for Success helped me utilize the skills I do have, while also helping me develop new ones that will allow me to continue my education. To my fellow classmates, always remember that you have a purpose and there is always a way to fulfil it.”