Parallel paper / Workshop sessions
View the list of Parallel Paper /Workshop Sessions in order of Presenter
Session Title:
You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play: Understanding Access to Higher Education Strategies in the International Context
Presenter:
Atherton, Graeme
Dr. Graeme Atherton is the director of the Educational Access Research Network and executive director of the Aimhigher London West, Central & North Partnership based at the University of Westminster (London, U.K.). He has been working to widen access since 1995.
Abstract:
Strategies to widen access to higher education are best understood as a “policy game” where the players constitute decision-makers and practitioners from schools, universities, civil society and government. By looking at the £500-million Aimhigher project in England, this presentation will expose the rules of the game and consider the implications for other countries. How do we go beyond the game to change the rules, so that widening access becomes a policy commitment that transcends party politics and regime change?
Country:
U.K.
English
Session Title:
SPARK Education Program
Presenters:
Atwal, Herbie
Herbie Atwal is the SPARK program coordinator. He has a B.A. in child and youth counselling and has been involved in the program since 2006.
Purewal, Meena
Meena Purewal is the SPARK program advisor. She has a B.A. in child and youth counselling and has been involved in the program since 2004.
Abstract:
Kwantlen University College’s SPARK program is a successful model that focuses on increasing post-secondary participation within populations that do not typically pursue higher education. Through early access, the SPARK program creates post-secondary education opportunities for high school students who may not view themselves as potential higher education candidates. To date, on average 95 percent of the students enrolled in SPARK have graduated from high school and 85 percent enrolled in post-secondary studies.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Improving the persistence rates of college students with greater chances of dropping-out: The results of a case-management approach to delivering student support services
Presenters:
Bain-Greenwood, Fiona
Fiona Bain-Greenwood is currently Chair of English, Liberal Studies and Theatrical Performance at Seneca College, Canada's largest college. For the past two years, she led the Foundations for Success research project working closely with partner colleges Mohawk College and Confederation College investigating ways to increase the persistence of at-risk students. Fiona's background includes leading the HRSDSC funded research project "Enhancing Student Success"; the College Integrating Immigrants to Employment (CIITE) language benchmarking research initiative; leading Occupation Specific Language Training pilots; curriculum and program development in both the English for Academic Purposes language the TESL program in the Faculty of Continuing Education. She has extensive experience in teaching, leading research, program delivery and college administration. Fiona holds a BA in English Literature, an MA in Adult Education and TESL Certification.
Morgan Murdoch, Lynda
Lynda Morgan Murdoch currently serves as Director, Student Services Quality and Strategic Initiatives at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. Lynda’s experience at Mohawk includes developing and teaching Language Studies courses, designing and delivering a variety of bridging and access programs, conceptualizing and establishing academic quality frameworks and processes, and strategic planning. She led the Mohawk team involved in planning and implementation of Foundations for Success, a research project studying the effect of advising and targeted intervention on persistence and graduation rates of at-risk college students. Lynda is the proud mother of two postsecondary graduates, and an utterly besotted new grandparent.
Abstract:
Foundations for Success is the first significant demonstration project at the college level in Canada to measure the impact of interventions geared to students at risk of not completing their program of study. Since June 2008, more than 3,200 students have been recruited at Confederation College (Thunder Bay), Mohawk College (Hamilton) and Seneca College (Greater Toronto). These students were identified at the time of post-admissions testing as having factors that could increase their changes of dropping out: language skills below college requirements; a lack of career clarity; or a difficulty in adapting to new environments. The project goal is to determine the impact of a case managed-access to student support services by participants with identified risk factors. The presentation will outline the research design, including the methodology, the recruitment of participants and the various Foundations for Success programs groups. Most importantly, and for the first time, the project’s interim results will be presented, highlighting project impacts on students’ grade point average as well as the persistence rate. Come and learn how Foundations for Success was structured to ensure the potential to replicate the model in other colleges.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Measuring Factors Responsible for Academic Failure: A Case Study of Montreal’s Black Community
Presenter:
Bayne, Clarence
Dr. Clarence Bayne has a Ph.D. in economics with a specialization in econometrics from McGill University and a master’s degree in economics and political science from the University of British Columbia. He is a full professor in Concordia University’s Department of Decision Science and Management Information Systems, teaching graduate students in managerial economics and statistics. He is the former director of the graduate diploma program in non-profit management and sport administration and current director of the Institute for Community Entrepreneurship and Development at the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University). He is president of the Quebec Board of Black Educators of Montreal and the Black Studies Centre.
Abstract:
The presentation will analyze community-based education preventative programs run by the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE). These programs are primarily aimed at creating better opportunities for English-speaking black youth by ensuring that they have greater access to secondary education. The results of the analysis are of interest to community-based leaders and organizers who work with youth at risk of social and academic failure, school administrators, government policy-makers and program developers in the field of education and immigrant settlement. The research provides a methodology and quantitative base for measuring the effectiveness of community programs such as the QBBE family assistance and prevention program.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Getting Through the Door to PSE: Youth and Community Engagement at Centennial College
Presenters:
Bertin, Anthony
Anthony Bertin is the manager of Centennial College’s Community Outreach Office. He has extensive experience working with children, youth and families in child welfare, children's mental health and education. A lifelong learner, he has achieved a Child and Youth Worker diploma, an Honours B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in adult education.
Students and staff from Centennial College
Abstract:
This workshop will focus on how Centennial College aligns engagement and outreach activities with organizational vision, mission, planning and structure; develops effective and sustainable community partnerships; and engages in relationships with children, youth and adult learners that promote a perspective of possibility, a culture of hope and the personal capacity for post-secondary success. In addition to the presentation, students and staff will share their perspectives on the impact of various programs and approaches.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Closing achievement gaps - widening access or widening engagement?
Presenters:
Bilingham, Stuart
Stuart has worked in tertiary education for nearly 30 years. His teaching, writing and practice has centred on issues of inequality and widening participation in higher education. He is the UK academic representative on the Council of Europe Steering Committee for Higher Education and Research (CDESR); Editor of the European Access Network (EAN) e-newsletter (www.ean-edu.org). He is one of the editors of Challenging isolation: the role of lifelong learning, 2009, (ISBN: 978-1-905858-15-6).
Abstract:
This presentation charts a personal and institutional journey: a case study of organizational cultural development and change at York St John University, involving translation of the “Learning Reconsidered” perspective to a UK context, and the simultaneous re-definition of our widening participation strategy as “widening engagement”. It is an on-going story full of twists and turns, successes and set-backs, but an essential journey, according to the author, for future economic prosperity and social progress.
Country:
UK
English
Session Title:
Integrating Academic Supports and Student Services for Students and Families at the University of Prince Edward Island
Presenters:
Campbell, Barbara
Dr. Barbara Campbell is currently the director of the UPEI Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning and an associate professor with the UPEI School of Nursing. In 2006, she successfully defended her Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Calgary. The title of her thesis was “Participatory Action Research: Knowledge Translation of Children’s Health in a Rural Community.” Her areas of research include family literacy, children and rural health, and knowledge translation. She has co-authored 14 peer-reviewed publications and is a member of the Learning Disabilities Association of PEI and a volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of PEI, having co-authored the PEI Integrated Stroke Strategy.
Leary, Tamara
Tamara Leary has worked with UPEI Student Services since 1999 and has been acting director since May 2007. She has presented many times at Atlantic Association of College and University Student Services and Canadian Association of College and University Student Services events on the various initiatives and programs she has been involved with. Along with her Student Services colleagues, she has been promoting the development of a new student experience program that will guide incoming students through the various stages of their transition: recruitment, academic advising, social support and career development. Tamara recently completed her candidacy for a doctorate in education in higher education leadership at the University of Calgary.
Abstract:
In response to the changing expectations and needs of incoming first-year students, the University of Prince Edward Island has enhanced the traditional student service framework to include recruitment, first-year academic advising, new student orientation, scholarships and student financial aid. The first-year enrolment management priorities include outreach programs targeted at high school students. The presentation will provide insights into the 12 academic support programs offered through the Webster Centre and student outreach provided through the Student Services department.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Intercultural Communication Basics
Presenter:
Chacon, Enrique
Born in Bucaramanga, Colombia, Enrique Chacon completed his undergraduate degree in Latin American history at the Universidad Industrial de Santander. In 1995, Enrique came to the University of Alberta to learn English as a second language. There, he completed a master’s degree in international/intercultural education while teaching Spanish and Latin American studies.
Abstract:
Our campuses are becoming more diverse, thanks to the presence not only of international students but also first-generation and newly immigrated Canadians. As a result, university/college staff should be prepared to interact more effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds and to cope with the ensuing communication difficulties. This workshop will explore the basics of intercultural competence and is designed to increase the awareness, knowledge and skills needed by those involved in post-secondary education.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Education Coordinator Program
Presenters:
Chenoweth, John
John is a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Native Indian Teacher Education Program and a former elementary school principal and district principal for First Nations Education. He is a member of the Upper Nicola Indian Band in the Nicola Valley. John has been involved in First Nations education at both the K-12 and post-secondary levels for his entire professional career.
Abstract:
The education coordinator program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology is designed to provide the skills necessary for Band education coordinators to perform their duties in a more efficient and cohesive manner. The presentation will focus on the program’s unique course work, which identifies the growing complexity of providing services to Aboriginal students of all ages.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Starting University in Grade Six
Presenters:
Chief, Kevin
Kevin Chief graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a B.A. in criminal justice in 1998 and is an active member of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal community who has a proven track record of success within the school system and throughout Winnipeg’s inner city. He has worked extensively within the public school system and the non-profit sector for a number of years. The emphasis of his work has been to create, develop and implement programs, initiatives and opportunities for children/youth/students to develop their potential, increase their academic achievement and become inspired by a desire to learn. The work Kevin has done with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre and various school divisions has provided him with the opportunity to develop the concept of a shared vision in which children, youth and families connect with communities and schools to achieve academic success. He is executive director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre, a former Aboriginal consultant with River East Transcona School Division and was elected to the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg as a director in 2005. His other achievements include being president of the Metis Cultural Centre of Winnipeg, a board director for the Neeginan Development Corporation, member of the Proposal Selection Committee with the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, volunteer/advisor with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and recipient of a 1994 Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award. Kevin played for WESMEN basketball team, is a two-time first-team Great Canadian Athletic Conference All-Star and three-time all-Manitoba team member for the Manitoba High School Athletic Association.
Zacharias, Gerri
Gerri Zacharias is the acting director of a new pilot project begun at the University of Winnipeg’s Innovative Learning Centre in September 2008: the Model School, which provides 20 select high school students with the extra attention they need to do well. Students who show potential but need a different kind of learning environment are referred to the Model School by community organizations. Individualized learning plans are written for each student to assist them in developing to their fullest potential. The Innovative Learning Centre is focused on closing the graduation gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth. The programs offered are grounded in the philosophy of connecting elementary and secondary students to their school community so that these youth stay in class, with the hope that each child will graduate and become a university student. The Centre’s innovative and highly successful initiatives include Eco-Kids summer camps, after-school Eco programs and an Enviro-Tech course for high school students.
Abstract:
Every year, the University of Winnipeg’s Innovative Learning Centre brings 40 inner-city school children in Grade Six to the Eco-Kids or Human Rights Kids on Campus programs. For two hours every Wednesday over four months, they are encouraged to study and experiment in University of Winnipeg labs with volunteer university and college professors and local teachers. Once they have “graduated” as Eco-Kids or Human Rights Kids, each child is registered in the University of Winnipeg Opportunity Fund, allowing them to “earn and learn” tuition credits. For each school year after Grade Six that they complete, they will have tuition credits “banked” in their name that can be used to attend the University of Winnipeg.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
The Metrics of “Shine”
Presenters:
Chief, Kevin
Kevin Chief graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a B.A. in criminal justice in 1998 and is an active member of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal community who has a proven track record of success within the school system and throughout Winnipeg’s inner city. He has worked extensively within the public school system and the non-profit sector for a number of years. The emphasis of his work has been to create, develop and implement programs, initiatives and opportunities for children/youth/students to develop their potential, increase their academic achievement and become inspired by a desire to learn. The work Kevin has done with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre and various school divisions has provided him with the opportunity to develop the concept of a shared vision in which children, youth and families connect with communities and schools to achieve academic success. He is executive director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre, a former Aboriginal consultant with River East Transcona School Division and was elected to the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg as a director in 2005. His other achievements include being president of the Metis Cultural Centre of Winnipeg, a board director for the Neeginan Development Corporation, member of the Proposal Selection Committee with the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, volunteer/advisor with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and recipient of a 1994 Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award. Kevin played for WESMEN basketball team, is a two-time first-team Great Canadian Athletic Conference All-Star and three-time all-Manitoba team member for the Manitoba High School Athletic Association.
Zacharias, Gerri
Gerri Zacharias is the acting director of a new pilot project begun at the University of Winnipeg’s Innovative Learning Centre in September 2008: the Model School, which provides 20 select high school students with the extra attention they need to do well. Students who show potential but need a different kind of learning environment are referred to the Model School by community organizations. Individualized learning plans are written for each student to assist them in developing to their fullest potential. The Innovative Learning Centre is focused on closing the graduation gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth. The programs offered are grounded in the philosophy of connecting elementary and secondary students to their school community so that these youth stay in class, with the hope that each child will graduate and become a university student. The Centre’s innovative and highly successful initiatives include Eco-Kids summer camps, after-school Eco programs and an Enviro-Tech course for high school students.
Altieri, Dino
Further information is forthcoming from Mr. Altieri
Abstract:
As an inner-city post-secondary institution, the University of Winnipeg embraces its responsibility to address barriers that prevent Aboriginal children and youth from reaching their full academic potential—and to develop research methodologies that assess the effectiveness of these programs. Through the Innovative Learning Centre’s Shine On initiative, the university has been able to reach out to elementary, secondary and post-secondary Aboriginal and inner-city students and encourage and support them so that they stay in school and reach their full potential. This initiative has brought students together in ways that help under-represented Aboriginal and inner-city students transition from high school to university. It is designed to increase graduation rates; increase the number of low-income disengaged students that reconnect with school; and better prepare students for university using components of the Circle of Courage model. The latter is a model of Lakota traditional values regarding child-rearing, education and community-building. It has found the most currency in the field of reclaiming troubled, at-risk youth but has become popular with many mainstream educators, counsellors and programmers as well. The Circle of Courage Values Indicator is currently being used to collect quantitative data regarding the effectiveness of Shine On outreach programs, as well as several other programs.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Why Should I Care About School?: Answering the Golden Question
Presenters:
Cole, Darrell
Darrell Cole is the creator and current executive director of Career Trek Inc.
Colin Russell
Colin Russell is the Registrar at the University of Winnipeg, and an instructor in the English Department. He has several years of experience as an academic advisor and a teacher with inner-city and Aboriginal university students, including teaching for the Winnipeg Education Centre Inner-City Access Bachelor of Education program. Colin has been a member of the Career Trek Board of Directors for two years.
Brenda Ryant
Brenda Ryant is a school counsellor at Kent Road School, a Nursery to Grade 6 school in Winnipeg, Manitoba.She has been a school counsellor for 11 years and prior to that she was a classroom teacher in the Winnipeg School Division for 13 years, teaching Grades 2-6. Brenda has collaborated with Career Trek for 6 years having been involved in the selection and support of students and their families for this valuable program.
Abstract:
This presentation will provide an overview ofCareer Trek, a multi-faceted program designed to help young people (starting at the age of ten) and their families experience the value that gaining a formal education can have in their lives. The presentation will provide an overview of the current program, including such features as program structure, staffing, participant selection and outcomes. Areas for improvement, systemic challenges and future initiatives will also be identified.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Reconnecting Students to Learning: Preparing Students at The YMCA Academy for Successful Post-Secondary Transitions
Presenters:
Curci, Mitchell
Mitchell Curci has worked in special education for over 32 years. He has developed and facilitated a core applied program for students with exceptionalities. Currently, he supports students with post-secondary transition planning in his special education and guidance role. His most recent work is in the area of establishing transition partnerships.
Skillen, Peter
Peter Skillen has spent over 35 years in the teaching profession as an outspoken advocate for constructivist approaches to learning. His expertise includes the integration of social media and promotion of collaborative classrooms. His speaking and consulting engagements have taken him to Israel, Russia, the Czech Republic and across the Americas. His website is www.peterskillen.org.
Manis, Alexi
Alexi Manis is a filmmaker and educator. She blends traditional and contemporary modes of production, and her films have screened at festivals worldwide. She teaches a broad range of arts-based courses at The YMCA Academy and engages students in performance and media productions with a focus on leadership skills development.
Abstract:
This presentation will focus on how The YMCA Academy attracts students who have disengaged from formal education, responds to their needs and is able to retain them, thereby allowing them to achieve success. It will also highlight how differentiated learning offers opportunities for authentic and relevant learning experiences that tap into student creativity and passion, leading to the development of skills in self-advocacy and self-determination required for successful post-secondary transitions.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Gen-F LEADS Program: Attracting and Preparing First-Generation Students for PSE
Presenters:
Dantas, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Dantas is the first project manager in the Community Partnerships Office at George Brown College. Holder of a Master of Education from Central Michigan University, Elizabeth has led large-scale student service programs, with a focus on student transition and success, and has extensive advising and mentoring experience.
Bedeau, Kizzy
Kizzy Bedeau has a master’s degree in sociology and is manager of the Community Partnerships Office at George Brown College, as well as a professor of sociology. She is committed to community and economic development, leading various collaborative programs with high schools and communities that build social and economic capacity through education and employment.
Abstract:
The elements of outreach, transition and retention (OTR) are interconnected pieces of the Gen-F LEADS program at George Brown College, which promotes access to post-secondary education among first-generation students. This workshop will discuss best practices in the program’s OTR pillar strategies that can be replicated by others seeking to promote post-secondary access and engagement.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Reaching Out to Aboriginal Learners: All about Institutional Commitment and Collaboration
Presenter:
Del Missier, Sonia
Sonia Del Missier is vice president academic at Cambrian College, a position she has held since December 2001. Her portfolio includes overall responsibility for Aboriginal programs and services provided through the Wabnode Institute. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in language and a Master of Business Administration, both from Laurentian University.
Abstract:
This panel presentation will touch upon past, current and planned efforts at Cambrian College to reach out to Aboriginal students, including the community-based delivery model, mobile trailer learning and First Nations Camps, and will illustrate how these initiatives and others have been effective in increasing the number of Aboriginal students studying at Cambrian College and improving student retention. As well, the presentation will include an overview of the key findings and recommendations of a study undertaken by the college, (De)Colonization of Institutional Practices and Policies: Supporting Aboriginal Student Success. This report has been helpful in further identifying opportunities for expansion of Aboriginal recruitment and retention activities. Moderated by the college's vice president academic, panelists will include staff from the Wabnode Institute and Student Services division, a student representative and a member of the college’s Anishnaabe Affairs Committee.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Mawita'nej—Let's Gather Together—Mawopuline: Interlacing Reciprocity as Keystone of Academic Excellence in First Nations Post-secondary Education
Presenters:
Doige, Lynda
Lynda Doige is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of New Brunswick and director of the Mi'kmaq-Maliseet Institute. She teaches early years literacy, dynamics of learning and doctoral seminars.
Belczewski, Andrea
Dr. Andrea Belczewski is a senior teaching associate, bridging year coordinator and First Nations science outreach coordinator at the Mi'kmaq-Maliseet Institute (University of New Brunswick). She teaches math and science.
Nicholas Bernard, Tina
Dr. Tina Nicholas Bernard is the First Nations business certificate coordinator at the Mi'kmaq-Maliseet Institute (University of New Brunswick) and a doctoral student at the University of Alberta. She teaches First Nations entrepreneurship.
Abstract:
This panel presentation highlights three aspects of broadening access and retention for Aboriginal students at the University of New Brunswick: (1) Unique bridging year and community/campus-based programs, (2) student response to these programs and (3) e-learning modules for First Nations students. Each aspect reveals the particular learning preferences, schooling struggles, classroom environment needs and epistemology of First Nations students. Two non-Aboriginal professors, one First Nations instructor/doctoral student, one First Nations student and two non-Aboriginal master’s students comprise the panel.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Spanning the Gaps to Post-Secondary Education: First Chances, Second Chances, Retention and Success
Presenters:
Edwards, O'neil
O'neil Edwards holds an M.B.A. and has worked extensively in the corporate world; however, his passion lies in education. He obtained a teaching certificate from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. Currently, he works at Ryerson University and has been a consultant for the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board and YMCA.
Grierson, Heather
Heather Grierson is the program assistant for Spanning the Gaps: Access to Post-Secondary Education at Ryerson University. She is passionate about helping others in their quest for a post-secondary education, and she herself will be graduating with a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto in 2010.
Sabaot, Jennifer
Jennifer Sabaot has been working with youth for over seven years with the YMCA and as a mentoring program facilitator with youth in Regent Park through Pathways to Education. She now works with the First-Generation Project at Ryerson University, where she assists first-generation students at the post-secondary level by providing workshops and resources to help them become more accustomed to life at the university level. She also encourages high school students to pursue a post-secondary education. Jennifer holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Centennial College and a B.A. in sociology from York University and is currently working on her post-grad in social work at the latter institution.
Abstract:
This presentation will provide an overview of Ryerson University’s Spanning the Gaps, an approach to increasing access to post-secondary education among high school students, early leavers, adults, Aboriginal peoples, low-income households and first-generation and minority youth.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Getting to the Heart of Retention: Career Development Strategies That Increase Faculty/Student Alliance and Engagement
Presenters:
Figueroa, Roberto
Roberto Figueroa is co-founder of Enjeux Carrière, a career development firm based in Montreal. He has trained more than 500 career counsellors, advisors and agents on intervention skills development and in the use of CARISM® career development tools. He holds a master’s degree in counselling psychology from McGill University.
Lavoie, Rosa
Rosa is the Manager of Admissions and Student Recruitment, College Services at Northern College. Rosa is an alumnus of Northern College and takes pride in the college's strategies committed to career planning initiatives that focus on the education success of students from varying demographic backgrounds of the Northern communities in particular First Nation and First Generation Learners.
Abstract:
Student-faculty interaction is a key factor in student retention. This presentation will show how Northern College and other community colleges and non-profit organizations in Canada and the U.S. are using CARISM®’s innovative career development tools as catalysts to increase the power of their student services in boosting students’ ownership of learning. These tools provide an engaging, practical framework to teach career decision-making as a community and personal experience requiring self-assessment and ownership, thereby helping individuals to lead satisfying lives.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Equality of opportunity in UK higher education; the impact on recruitment and retention
Presenters:
Hall, Chris
Chris Hall is a senior policy adviser and head of external relations for the Equality Challenge Unit. He has worked in the UK higher education sector for the last 10 years, both within institutions and for sector organisations and has a background in UK employment and discrimination legislation.
Abstract:
Socio economic status is one indicator of how likely you are to enter and remain at university, but the layering effect of discrimination based on disability, ethnicity and gender are all significant factors that have an impact on attracting and retaining students. Recognising this issue, this session will look at the cross country transferable measures UK institutions are putting into place to tackle inequality, including looking at monitoring, setting equality objectives and equality impact assessments.
Country:
England
English
Session Title:
New Directions for Humber College: Building Pathways and Partnerships to Post-Secondary
Presenters:
Harrison, Ken
Ken Harrison has been a student, part-time teacher, full-time professor, chairman and now associate dean, planning and development, in a career at Humber College spanning more than 30 years. Ken currently chairs the Connecting GTA Teachers regional planning team that comprises six colleges and nine school boards in the Toronto region.
Davies, John
John Davies, president of Humber College, has been a high school teacher, principal, superintendent and director in the Toronto Board of Education. Previously, he was chief of staff for the Effective Schools Task Force, charged with advising the provincial government on ways to improve elementary and secondary school education in Ontario.
Willson, Lois
Lois Willson has been with Humber College since 1990 and is responsible for a new department whose role is to act as a focal point for the internal and external community, facilitating activities that increase access of under-represented groups to the college. Previously, she was responsible for government relations and corporate planning for the college.
Abstract:
This panel presentation will outline a new Humber College department—Community Outreach and Workforce Development—designed to bridge the gaps between individual and institution, school and campus, and campus and workforce. A number of unique, trailblazing initiatives will be profiled, and “stories from the street” will be highlighted. The strategies the college is using to pave pathways to post-secondary education and help people find employment will be examined.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
An Overview of the Engineering Access Program
Presenter:
Herrmann, Randy
Randy Herrmann, P.Eng., graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in geological engineering. He is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, the Professional Engineers of Ontario and the Manitoba Metis Federation. Randy has spent the last ten years as director of the Engineering Access Program.
Abstract:
This presentation is a brief review of the Engineering Access Program (ENGAP), which was started in 1985 in an attempt to increase the amount of Aboriginal people participating in the engineering profession. ENGAP allows Aboriginal students who may not meet the regular entrance requirements to enter the Faculty of Engineering and then provides them with academic, personal, financial and social supports as needed, increasing their likelihood of success. The ENGAP model involves taking first-year engineering courses and spreading them over two years, thereby giving students one semester of upgrading and minimizing the number of courses they take during their initial time at university.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Sharing & Learning the FNTI Way: Indigenous Education by and for Indigenous Peoples
Presenter:
Hill, Janice C.
Currently academic dean at First Nations Technical Institute, Janice Hill provides leadership for 15 post-secondary programs, as well as leading FNTI through the process of gaining Indigenous Accreditation status with the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium. She previously held an adjunct faculty position in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program at Queen’s University.
Abstract:
First Nations Technical Institute is an Indigenous-owned and -operated post-secondary institute with a vision of creating capacity for Indigenous people and communities through post-secondary education. Now in its 25th year of operations, it has graduated over 2,000 Indigenous people in a wide variety of certificate, diploma and degree programs. With a 96 percent graduate employment rate, it offers programs that are in demand as defined by Ontario Job Futures.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
The Life Impact Program: Building College Success among At-Risk Students
Presenters:
Hojan-Clark, Jane
Jane Hojan-Clark is the executive director of the Department of Financial Aid, Student Employment and Military Education Benefits at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and manages the Life Impact Program. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree from Marquette University and is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Cardinal Stritch University.
Reinbold, Natalie
Natalie Reinbold is the life coach/coordinator of the Life Impact Program at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She provides direct support to disadvantaged student-parents seeking a college degree and is responsible for developing and maintaining the program structure. Natalie has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a master's degree in counselor education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
Abstract:
The Life Impact Program at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee supports disadvantaged student-parents through support services and renewable scholarships. The program employs a multi-faceted approach to serving at-risk students that includes a Life Coach team, support groups, workshops, laptops and emergency funds. Attendees will learn about how the Life Impact Program can be used as a model to better support at-risk college-goers at their own institutions. Program data and a Life Impact mini-documentary will be shared.
Country:
U.S.A.
English
Session Title:
Pathways to Education: A Community-Based Approach to Increasing High School Graduation and Post-Secondary Participation among Low-Income, First-Generation and Minority Youth
Presenters:
Hughes, David
David Hughes joined Pathways to Education Canada as president and CEO in January 2009 following seven years as chief executive of Habitat for Humanity Canada. His career spans 20 years working in Canada, the U.S. and overseas to expand the impact of non-profit organizations.
Rowen, Norman
Norman Rowen developed and was program director of Pathways to Education in Regent Park for the program’s first five years when he joined Pathways Canada as director of research and evaluation. His background includes community development, adult literacy and more than 25 years in educational research, evaluation and policy analysis.
Edwards, O'neil
O'neil Edwards holds an M.B.A. and has worked extensively in the corporate world; however, his passion lies in education. He has spent five years with Pathways in Regent Park and is director of program partnerships and alumni. He holds a teaching certificate from the University of Toronto and a diploma in career counselling.
Abstract:
This session will explore lessons from the success of the Pathways to Education Program in supporting educational success for the most disadvantaged youth in Toronto. The session will outline the program’s development, model of support and results, which include a nearly four-fold increase in post-secondary participation. It will include lessons for communities, educational institutions and public policy about the various elements of this comprehensive approach, which is being replicated in communities across Canada.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
LE,NONET Pilot Project: Supporting the Success of Aboriginal Post-Secondary Students
Presenter:
Hunt, Sarah
Sarah Hunt, M.A., has worked as a researcher, educator and program coordinator in Aboriginal communities across B.C. for the past ten years. She is currently serving as co-principal investigator for the LE,NONET Pilot Project at the University of Victoria. Sarah is a member of the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation from Tsaxis (Fort Rupert) on Vancouver Island.
Abstract:
The LE,NONET Pilot Project (2005-2009) at the University of Victoria is testing innovative programming to support the success of Aboriginal post-secondary students. Funded by the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, the LE,NONET Project will be wrapping up in the summer of 2009 and is in the process of evaluating its impact on student success and retention. Approximately 200 students have participated in one or more programs over the past four years. One main focus of the qualitative research is identifying meaningful strategies for supporting Aboriginal students at university while allowing them to maintain their community connections and traditional practices. The balance between individual success and cultural or community relevance is key to the retention of many Aboriginal students. Without the link between post-secondary education and its application in their cultural framework, students may be at risk of failure. In this presentation, preliminary research findings will be presented, along with key messages from student participants and five main principles of program design that have emerged from the research.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
How College Students and Recent Graduates Can Assist with Access Advising
Presenters:
Hurd, Nicole
Dr. Nicole Hurd is the executive director of National College Advising Corps. The Corps is a coalition of university-based college access programs serving students in 12 states. She received the 2007 Governor of Virginia’s Award for Volunteerism and Community Service and the University of Virginia’s Raven Award for Faculty.
Cox Bell, Jennifer
Jennifer Cox Bell is the program director for the Carolina College Advising Corps, the largest of the National College Advising Corps programs. She previously served in the University of North Carolina's office of undergraduate admissions.
Bowman, Pharen
Pharen Bowman is an advisor in the Carolina College Advising Corps. Pharen is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is in her second year as an access advisor.
Abstract:
This interactive session will focus on ways in which current undergraduates and recent college graduates can assist in efforts to get more students into higher education. It will feature two recent alumni who have served as full-time advisors, partnered with guidance counsellors, in underserved high schools. They will discuss ways in which they helped students with test preparation, admissions
and financial aid processes, and encouraging successful matriculation and retention during their service in the National College Advising Corps. Administrators will also discuss the effectiveness of near peer outreach (focusing on low-income, first-generation and under-represented populations) and current efforts at various partner institutions, as well as at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Country:
U.S.A.
English
Session Title:
Alternative Routes: A Cultural and Community Approach to Aboriginal Education
Presenter:
Jacobsen, Ian
Ian Jacobsen is the education policy analyst for the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, where he works closely with a wide variety of Aboriginal community stakeholders, students, school boards and governments to support the development of strategic public policies and culturally appropriate programs and services that support Aboriginal student success in Ontario. Ian is a Mohawk from the Kanesatake Mohawk Territory and a member of the Bear Clan.
Abstract:
Since 1990, the Alternative Secondary School Programs at Native Friendship Centres have been assisting at-risk urban Aboriginal learners to earn their high school diploma. Employing a culture-based approach, the programs focus on addressing students’ overall needs by providing a safe and welcoming environment that is immersed in Aboriginal ways of knowing and understanding. This presentation will present an overview of the programs, including the findings of a recent comprehensive program evaluation completed in March 2009.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Post-Secondary Access in the U.K.: The University of Bedfordshire—A Case Study
Presenter:
Kendall, Steve
Steve Kendall is director of widening participation at the University of Bedfordshire and the East of England Chair of Aimhigher, a national U.K. program to improve access to higher education. An access course pioneer and a passionate believer in lifelong learning, he has just completed a master’s degree in literature.
Abstract:
In this time of unprecedented economic difficulty, higher education has to make the case for investment. Otherwise, it is unlikely to emerge from the recession well placed to ride the wave of recovery. The need to increase access to higher education is not just a matter of social justice but also of hard economic necessity. The University of Bedfordshire has developed a range of imaginative responses to the recession, designed both to widen access and build skills.
Country:
England
English
Session Title:
Opening Doors and Paving the Way: Innovative Approaches to Developing College Access, Readiness and Resilience among Under-Represented Students
Presenters:
Klugman, Jason
Jason Klugman directs the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) and works as a lecturer and program administrator with Princeton’s Program in Teacher Preparation. Dr. Klugman is responsible for PUPP’s daily operations and has helped many organizations develop and implement similar initiatives. He also teaches the Seminar in Education at Princeton.
Jones, Chelsea
Chelsea Jones is a senior political science major at Howard University in Washington, DC. A graduate of Trenton Central High School, she was a member of the Princeton University Preparatory Program's class of 2005. She hopes to launch a non-profit education organization after completing her graduate studies in education policy.
Little, Jasmine
Jasmine Little is a junior studying public health at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. A graduate of Trenton Central High School, she was a member of the Princeton University Preparatory Program's class of 2006. Her areas of interest are public health, family medicine and urban redevelopment.
Abstract:
This session will provide highlights from a white paper on increasing college access and success for talented low-income students developed from a national forum hosted by Princeton University in 2006. A broad description of the challenges faced by high-potential students on their pathway to college will be discussed, along with the range and variety of strategies employed to help guide them through the admissions process and into their early college years.
Country:
U.S.A.
English
Session Title:
Aboriginal Student Engagement: Strategies and Philosophy
Presenter:
Lefebvre, Louise
Louise Lefebvre currently works as the dean of Aboriginal Service Planning, Student Services and Developmental Programs at Northwest Community College. She has been an educator for 35 years in both Ontario and B.C. A promoter of essential skills programs and community-based delivery, she is a leader in Aboriginal student engagement strategies and indigenization of programs and community college structure.
Abstract:
This presentation will focus on Northwest Community College’s paradigm shift in philosophy and practice related to community engagement and Aboriginal student recruitment and retention. Models of program delivery such as Essential Skills for Work community-based programs, Health and Art Access programs and School of Exploration and Mining programs will be given as examples of Aboriginal student engagement and success.
Country:
Canada
English and French
Session Title:
Rural Faces, Rural Minds in Educational Spaces
Presenter:
Looker, Dianne
Dianne Looker has been researching youth educational pathways for much of her career, particularly rural-urban differences in decisions related to post-compulsory education. She has undertaken and analyzed surveys on this topic and has made numerous presentations to policy-makers. She currently holds a Canada Research Chair at Mount St. Vincent University.
Abstract:
Rural youth face different challenges from their urban counterparts when making decisions about their post-high school educational pathways. Yet these challenges are often invisible to those designing programs for youth. The rural background of a student is rarely evident, so few post-secondary institutions have facilities targeting these youth. Using data from two surveys, one nationally representative and a more focused one collected by the presenter, some of the issues facing rural youth will be highlighted.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program
Presenters:
Maniezzo, Adrienne
A member of the CIBC Communications and Public Affairs team since 2005, Adrienne Maniezzo is responsible for providing strategic direction regarding CIBC's national sponsorships: ReConnect: Career Renewal for Returning Professional Women, United Way and the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program. In her role, Adrienne has helped build awareness of CIBC's commitment to corporate social responsibility. She brings to her position experience with internal and external communications, special events and volunteer management.
Abstract:
Ten years ago, CIBC, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and the YMCA created the CIBC Youthvision™ Scholarship Program to address the academic and financial needs of students and to encourage them to pursue post-secondary education. Realizing that confidence, pride and opportunity can overcome even the most formidable barrier, this unique program includes a post-secondary scholarship valued at up to $36,000, as well as summer internships starting in grade 10 until the completion of university or college.
In April 2009, CIBC, in partnership with The Centre for Excellence, conducted a research study to evaluate the impact of the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship program in helping students realize their full potential. Adrienne Maniezzo from CIBC will discuss the results from the research study and share how to date this program has helped 330 recipients achieve their academic potential.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Broadening access in Sweden from a student perspective
Presenters:
Moberg, Robin
As a student at Södertörn University I got involved in student activities in various forms. Later on I got elected the president of the local union and worked politically with for example broaden access. In may 2009 I was elected vice president of the Swedish National Union of Students.
Abstract:
A presentation of how students in Sweden work with broaden access and why the issue of a heterogeneous student body is a factor of quality in higher education. Examples will be shown on how student unions around Sweden are working with broaden access. The issue of broaden access will also be approached from a national student perspective and how students have made broaden access to a hot political topic.
Country:
Sweden
English
Session Title:
First-Generation Students in Canada: Some Research Findings
Presenters:
Murdoch, Jake
Jake Murdoch has been an associate professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations at the Université de Montréal since 2006. His research projects have focused on comparisons of education systems (in Canada and abroad), particularly on the academic and professional pathways of youth.
Doray, Pierre
Dr. Pierre Doray is a professor in the department of sociology at the Université du Québec. From 2005 to 2009, he was the director of the Interuniversity Research Centre on Science and Technology. He has authored many research publications and presentations on student pathways.
Groleau, Amélie
Amélie Groleau is working on her Ph.D. in the sociology of education at the Université du Québec à Montréal and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris). Ms. Groleau has been working for the past two years with the Transitions Project, which focuses on educational pathways in post-secondary studies in Canada.
Abstract:
Part of the Transitions research project involved investigating whether being a “first-generation” student influences access to and persistence in post-secondary studies. The session will present various findings from research addressing the issue of first-generation students, as well as conclusions regarding these findings’ value in terms of better understanding student pathways.
Country:
Canada
English and French
Session Title:
Making Poverty History: One Kid at a Time
Presenters:
O'Leary, Brian
Brian O'Leary is the superintendent/CEO of the Seven Oaks School Division, which serves a diverse working-class community in Winnipeg's North End. Seven Oaks has achieved high graduation and post-secondary entrance rates by ensuring that every student’s education is characterized by strong relationships, personal relevance and academic rigour.
Abstract:
The session will focus on how a school division has worked to overcome factors of poverty and race in order to raise and level the achievement bar for its students. It will highlight Seven Oaks School Division's programming approach, which engages learners and their families quite literally from birth through to graduation and entrance to post-secondary.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Workforce Development Best Practices: Year Up NYC’s Behaviour Management System—Contracting and Feedback
Presenters:
Peart-HoSang, Charmaine
Charmaine Peart-HoSang is director of outreach and student services for Year Up NYC. Charmaine previously worked as the director of the NYC Youthline, which specializes in providing information/referral/crisis intervention for youth, parents and service providers throughout the city. Charmaine hails from Toronto, Canada, where she earned her B.Sc. in psychology from York University. She also has an M.S.W. in administration and case work from the Hunter College School of Social Work (New York City).
Nieves, Lisette
Lisette Nieves is the executive director of Year Up NYC. She has extensive experience in community and youth development. Prior to Year Up, Lisette was a consultant for non-profit organizations in strategic planning, program development and management and an instructor in public administration graduate studies at Brooklyn College. She is the former chief of staff for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. Lisette also served as a senior program officer for the Corporation for National Service, overseeing AmeriCorps projects. She is also a Truman Scholar from 1990, Rhodes Scholar from 1992 and graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs at Princeton University.
Abstract:
Year Up NYC’s mission is to close the opportunity divide by providing urban young adults with skills, experience and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. The intensive one-year program serves low-income high school graduates and GED recipients between the ages of 18 and 24 from urban neighborhoods. Year Up’s innovative approach combines high expectations, high support, marketable job skills, stipends, paid apprenticeships, college credits, a behaviour management system and several levels of support to place these young adults on a viable path to economic self-sufficiency. Year Up believes that a well-designed training and support program can make an incredible difference in young people’s lives. This workshop session will focus on the use of a behaviour management system, Contracting and Feedback, with samples of warm-up, interactive and role-play activities.
Country:
U.S.A.
English
Session Title:
Community Partnerships Going Green: Employment and Training in the Green Job Market
Presenters:
Pipitone, Brenda
Brenda Pipitone is responsible for leading large-scale, collaborative initiatives between the college and multi-sectoral community partners to deliver education and training to non-traditional college students. An experienced faculty member and past coordinator for the Child and Youth Work Program, she holds an M.A. in education from Central Michigan University.
Barrueta, Chalo
Chalo Barrueta is the co-founder and executive director of Banyan Youth. His passion lies with the integration of social enterprise, green business development and community building in order to make the planet a better place. He is a graduate of the Construction Engineering Technology Program at George Brown College.
Abstract:
This workshop will highlight the fluidity of an “outside in” community partnership initiative between a strong coalition of partners. The focus will be on the green job market, where there are clear opportunities for employment and training growth for marginalized communities. Bringing the college experience to the community, this partnership seeks to eliminate the obstacles associated with the transition to a post-secondary environment and at the same time facilitate the needs of employers and community partners.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Back-to-School for Mom or Dad: Research to Action
Presenters:
van Rhijn, Tricia
Tricia van Rhijn is a Ph.D. student studying family relations and human development at the University of Guelph with a focus on student parents. A student parent herself, she recently founded the Student Parents Support Network and works as a research associate at the Centre for Families, Work and Well-Being.
Smit Quosai, Trudy
Trudy Smit Quosai is a doctoral candidate in Family Relations at the University of Guelph who conducts qualitative and quantitative research about student parents. Before becoming a student parent herself, Trudy spent fifteen years working in student services, most recently as Associate Director of the Centre for Students with Disabilities.
Lero, Donna
Donna Lero holds the Jarislowsky Chair in Families in Work at the University of Guelph and is co-founder of the Centre for Families, Work and Well-Being. She leads a program of research on public policy, workplace practices and family support.
Abstract:
This workshop will present results from a program of research at the University of Guelph focused on college and undergraduate student parents. The results substantiate the effects of parental status on post-secondary participation, profile Canadian student parents, and illustrate the effects of school-family conflict and enrichment. Recommendations are made to support the participation and persistence of student parents. We will close with a discussion exploring how to best meet student parents’ perceived needs.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
The Westview Partnership
Presenter:
Robinson, Jackie
Jackie Robinson has been a teacher, counsellor and administrator for many years. She currently coordinates the Westview Partnership between the York Faculty of Education and Toronto District School Board.
Abstract:
The goal of the Westview Partnership is to provide knowledge of and access to post-secondary education for students living in the Jane-Finch neighbourhood of Toronto who may experience systemic barriers to continuing their education or training. The presentation will focus on a brief overview of the programs within the Westview Partnership and a discussion of issues of transferability of the components to other sites, funding and sustainability, and the challenges of measuring success.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Applying the Apprenticeship Advantage: Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunities for Non-Traditional Communities
Presenters:
Stapleton, Joe
Joe Stapleton has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the Ryerson University School of Social Work and a certificate from the York University Schulich School of Business Emerging Leaders program. Joe has extensive experience working with marginalized populations in the educational, social-recreational, criminal justice and social service sectors.
Bradley, Sacha
Sacha Bradley, Pre-Apprenticeship Program coordinator in the Community Partnerships Office of George Brown College, works with various groups of pre-apprenticeship students (most recently baking and carpentry). Sacha holds a diploma in public relations from Humber College and prides herself on her excellence in communication and diplomacy.
Abstract:
Participants will discuss how innovative partnerships help to build skills, knowledge, a foundation for employment and, most of all, hope for people who never dreamed they could go to college. George Brown College has developed an engagement strategy to ensure that non-traditional students have increased access to post-secondary education via pre-apprenticeship programs and are connected to meaningful opportunities and sustainable employment. Best practices and success stories will be presented in order to motivate discussion and inspire action.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Was It Worth it?: The Occupational Benefit of Getting a University Degree as a Full-Time Mature Student
Presenter:
Staunton, Denis
Dr. Denis Staunton is the director of access and widening participation in University College Cork (Ireland). The office of the director of access coordinates the work of the institution’s secondary school access program for socio-economically disadvantaged young people, Mature Student office and Disability Support office in order to enable and ensure access to a university degree qualification for non-traditional students. Dr. Staunton's background is in community development work in both urban and rural settings in Ireland. In 1985, he joined the Department of Applied Social Studies at University College Cork, where he lectured on youth policy, community development and practised teaching. He worked for ten years as assistant director in the centre for Adult Continuing Education, designing and developing outreach certificate/diploma programs for adult learners. His research interests include international access policy, the barriers faced by non-traditional students in accessing university education and how mature students make the transition into higher education and the labour market.
Abstract:
This presentation will report on the experiences of mature students who graduated from University College Cork (Ireland) over a ten-year period between the years 1993 to 2003. It will highlight the fact that the relationship between provision of access to higher education for mature students and equal opportunity access to the labour market is not as straightforward as the simple acquisition of a degree qualification may suggest. Factors such as age, gender, social class background, level of prior educational attainment, degree program studied, type and level of degree awarded, geographical mobility and length of time in the labour market since graduation all influence occupational outcomes for mature graduates.
Country:
Ireland
English
Session Title:
Broadening post-secondary access and building human capital through knowledge mobilization: A Community of Practice on Youth Educational Attainment Partnerships
Presenters:
Watson, Lisa
Lisa Watson is the director of strategic initiatives in the Strategic Initiatives & Community Partnerships Department of United Way Toronto (UWT). She is responsible for leading UWT’s community impact measurement and management efforts, including a pan-Canadian outcome evaluation pilot project that is engaging community organizations to build their capacity to measure and evaluate their own outcomes. Lisa’s team also forges new strategic partnerships focused on improving youth educational attainment outcomes—e.g., Pathways to Education Canada. Prior to working at UWT, Lisa held senior positions in the Ontario provincial government, where she helped to establish strategic plans and policy development in two new ministries. She is particularly interested in the social determinants of health as a framework for understanding and addressing the root causes of social issues.
Bustard, Roberta
Roberta Bustard is the senior manager of strategic initiatives at United Way Toronto. She manages the implementation of the Community of Practice on Youth Educational Attainment Partnerships and also works with community partners to forge new strategic initiatives to address issues such as financial literacy. Before joining UWT, Roberta worked in policy, communications and program capacities with the Ontario and Newfoundland provincial governments, as well as the federal government. She completed her Master of Public Administration at Queen’s University.
Sue Levesque
Executive Director, York University - TD Community Engagement Centre
Tony Bertin
Manager, Community Outreach Office, Centennial College
Maureen Thompson
Director of Program Development, Pathways to Education Canada
Chris Penrose
Program Coordinator, Promoting Excellence Program, Jane-Finch Caring Village
Abstract:
This presentation highlights an innovative approach to mobilizing a community-based knowledge exchange network focused on promising practices in partnerships for youth educational attainment.
Country:
Country
English
Session Title:
Noticing Talent - Mentoring program for graduating students by young professionals
Presenters:
Wolff, Irene
Drs. I.J.D. (Irene) Wolff-Kinneging (1973) is vice executive director of ECHO, Center for Diversity Policy. She advises (higher) education institutions on development and implementation of diversity policy concerning matriculation, retention and graduation of higher education professionals and students. She is also responsible for the development of the ECHO training program. ECHO provides training for faculty, study advisors, counselors and students. Focus points are managing of expectations, communication skills, identity development and transition to the labor market.
Tupan-Wenno, Mary
Mary Tupan-Wenno is the executive director of ECHO, Center for Diversity Policy in Utrecht. She has been working for ECHO since 1999. Before this she worked for the Dutch Ministry of Education Culture and Science as a policy advisor at the Department of Higher Education. While there she was responsible for policy development regarding the improvement of the participation and retention of ethnic minorities in higher education. Tupan is a founding member of the European Access Network (EAN) and is currently the President of its Executive Board.
Abstract:
Students with a non-western background have a disadvantaged position in the labour market. Corporations, on the other hand, increasingly see the benefit of greater labour force diversity, but face challenges in recruiting and retaining ethnic minority talent.
In 2005, the ECHO Foundation was created with support from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Working with corporations such as Shell, Randstad, ING, NS (Dutch Railway) and NUON, ECHO has set up a Mentoring Program to improve the chances of graduating minority students finding employment and to facilitate contact between corporations and minority talent and to coach professionals in managing diversity.
ECHO will present the ECHO Mentoring Program as a model for their work with corporations.
Country:
The Netherlands
English
Session Title:
Apinochek Pasaquok ("Children Rising")
Presenters:
Wong, Fairy
Fairy Wong is the Apinochek Pasaquok (“Children Rising”) program manager at Career Trek, a not-for-profit organization that provides innovative, career-focused educational programming for youth. Children Rising, a program for youth from Aboriginal and rural communities in Manitoba, is designed to support young people in discovering their potential and career passions.
Nepinak, Marie
Marie Nepinak is an Elder from Skownan Ojibwe Nation in Manitoba, Canada. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she teaches all her children to live a good life and to honour and respect all walks of life. Marie is from the Turtle Clan, her spiritual name is Gentle Voice Thunder and she speaks fluent Ojibwe. An active community member, Marie enjoys working to help Skownan heal, grow and be a healthy community. For the past 22 years, she has worked as a community health representative.
Sanderson, Ronald
Ronald Sanderson is a coordinator for the Apinochek Pasaquok (“Children Rising”) program at Career Trek. As a committed member of Skownan First Nation, Ronald has been the school bus driver for the past 16 years. He also works closely with Skownan youth in baseball, hockey and other sports activities.
Abstract:
With many Aboriginal people living in communities with high unemployment rates, low education attainment rates and challenging social conditions, career development still remains an unknown and irrelevant concept to many of them. This presentation will describe a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges and barriers facing Aboriginal peoples. Attendees will learn about a program model that is currently used in an Aboriginal community to build community capacity, with the ultimate goal of achieving educational success.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Registered Education Savings Plans: An untapped source of education funding for low-income students
Presenters:
Wong, May
May Wong is a leader in strategic giving who has worked with and advised public and private foundations in effective granting for over 18 years. Director of the Omega Foundation’s new education savings partnership, May also serves on the boards of directors of Diaspora Dialogues and the Canadian Urban Institute.
Abstract:
Family savings for education improve the odds of a child graduating from high school and attending post-secondary, but government programs to encourage education savings are not reaching many families who need them the most. This session will present research by the Omega Foundation into some of the barriers that low-income families face to participating in registered education savings programs and what community service providers, schools, government and funders can do to close the education gap.
Country:
Canada
English
Session Title:
Strategies to Increase Aboriginal Access: Higher Stakes for Higher Education Professional Programs?
Presenters:
Wright, Alan
Alan Wright is the vice-provost, teaching and learning, at the University of Windsor. Active as a teacher, researcher and author, Dr. Wright was the principal investigator of a Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation-sponsored background paper on institutional approaches to post-secondary access and success among under-represented groups.
Eansor, Donna-Marie
An award-winning educator, Professor Donna-Marie Eansor (Faculty of Law, University of Windsor) is an innovative leader and researcher in the areas of student wellness, academic support and diversity. She co-authored Academic Access and Support Programs in Canadian Law Schools and designed her faculty’s groundbreaking Academic Success Program.
Monette, Marie-Jeanne
Marie-Jeanne Monette holds degrees from the Université du Québec à Montréal and the Université du Québec à Rimouski. A collaborator on a background paper commissioned by the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation on access and success, her expertise includes models of early intervention in low-income communities.
Abstract:
Recent studies indicate that Aboriginal students continue to face many barriers to post-secondary studies. In 2008, an international survey identified intersecting psychological, social and institutional barriers to access and success. How have Canadian educational institutions and in particular professional schools addressed these challenges? Similar barriers affect student success and perseverance in Canadian law schools. Preparatory and ongoing academic support for first-year students has shown promise among schools’ Aboriginal populations. Interventions designed to boost aspiration and self-esteem are critical.
Country:
Canada
English and French
Session Title:
College Access for the Common Good: Influencing Access for Immigrant Students through Civic Collaboration and Leadership
Presenters:
Ziebell-Finley, Amanda
Amanda Ziebell-Finley assists in managing the Minnesota College Access Network. She coordinates outreach, advocacy and training for college access. Amanda has worked extensively in college access programming and has held senior positions in admissions and financial aid. She developed leadership training for NAVIGATE.
Levenson-Falk, Annie
Annie Levenson-Falk, policy coordinator at the Citizens League, staffs the Immigration and Higher Education study committee. Annie is a member of the Community Raid Response Team, which provides information on immigration status, detention and deportation and provides observation during immigration enforcement actions. Annie advises NAVIGATE and is a site coordinator for interns.
Abstract:
This presentation will help to foster a community-based approach to college access that includes a diverse group of civic institutions, college access programs and students. Through the processes and findings of the Citizens League Immigration and Education Committee, attendees will learn to identify the stakeholders, skills and structures that are necessary for a positive, collaborative approach to building solutions and consensus with respect to college access. Solutions from the committee report Educating Minnesota’s Immigrant Students will be shared.
Country:
U.S.A.
English
Session Title:
Creating Bright Futures: Applying Lessons Learned from Manitoba’s Bright Futures Program to Other Jurisdictions
Presenter:
Zuk, Joanne
Joanne Zuk is the program analyst responsible for establishing and administering the Bright Futures program for the province of Manitoba. She holds a B.Sc. and B.A. and has spent the past seven years working in the post-secondary education sector, both for government and within a public university.
Abstract:
The province of Manitoba’s Bright Futures program financially supports community organizations and partner schools to implement intense early interventions to improve high school graduation rates and increase access to and retention in post-secondary education for disadvantaged, under-represented and low-income students. The presentation will share the program’s history, development, challenges, successes, outcomes and future plans and focus on sharing information that may assist other organizations in establishing similar initiatives in other jurisdictions.
Country:
Canada
English
