Twenty-five students from Westview Centennial Secondary School and Emery Collegiate Institute will have an opportunity to experience university life first-hand through the Advanced Credit Experience (ACE), part of the York/Seneca program. The York/Westview Partnership, in cooperation with the Toronto District School Board, is helping to make this possible.
The ACE program provides secondary school students with exposure to the university/college environment so that they can experience some of the benefits of a postsecondary education.
"The Advanced Credit Experience furthers our commitment to improving the personal and career prospects of youth living in the Jane-Finch community," says Carol Cabral, coordinator of the Westview Partnership. "The main goal of the program is to promote social and academic opportunity to low-income, minority and immigrant students."
Students participating in ACE receive direct experience in learning at the university/college level and can earn a 0.5 credit at either York University or Seneca College. As well, they take part in the Westview Alumni at York University (WAY) group, a mentor network in place for Westview graduates.
The students also act as peer mentors, returning to their school or community to pass on their experiences to other students considering a university or college education. In addition to the on-campus learning opportunities and the interaction with alumni, ACE students participate in three- to four-day-a-week co-op placements at either York University or Seneca College.
All funds for the program were provided through a $10,000 grant from the Maytree Foundation with matching funds provided by the York University Faculty Association Trust and York University. Other partners include the Faculties of Arts, Environmental Studies and Education.
The official launch event for ACE will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the Harry Crowe Room, 109 Atkinson College. For further information contact Carol Cabral at ext. 70323.