IOPEN Centennial College Students Studying Hard.

By: Mike Adair, Community Support Coordinator, Community First-IOPEN/Youth Summer Employment

The Individualized On-campus Postsecondary Experience Network (IOPEN) recently concluded our fifth semester in the third year of partnership with Centennial College. Fall 2018 saw eight students receive credits in courses ranging from “Developmental Psychology”, to “Transcultural Health”, to “Inclusive Leadership Practices” – including one student completing their final class to achieve a four-course “Psychology: an Overview” certificate!  The partnership hosted two Developmental Services Worker placement students who assisted with creating recreational opportunities at the school and with homework assignments and studying. This year, IOPEN was fortunate enough to receive funding from three of our regional Councils in order to assist with the students’ tuition fees and textbook purchases. Thanks to Scarborough, Etobicoke and Central Councils, three students were able to participate fully in college life and continue working towards their educational goals. Additional funding was also provided through the “Choices that can Change Lives Fund” for three more students. These additional funds were greatly appreciated and imperative to the success of the IOPEN initiative. Winter 2019 will see 11 students take on college life, including four brand new students. The staff, students and community partners of IOPEN continue to work hard to ensure another successful semester!

Central Council generously sponsored a Centennial College IOPEN student, who writes:

“I want to say thank you for giving me the money to take my class. Because you gave me this money, I took A Wellness Approach: Stress Management course. I do not know what my grade will be, however I have passed all of my assignments and tests so far. I only have one more test to go. I received A and A+ grades on my assignments and labs.

Going to college has been good. I am getting out of the house, am learning how to handle stress and have been happy to be getting good grades in college. I did not always have good grades in high school. College is better because I got to choose a topic that I am interested in and understand. I am learning new things and have made new friends this semester. I am very happy now that I am going to Centennial College.”