Canadore students take home the provincial innovation award

Canadore College
News Release

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Seven students from Canadore College who helped students with learning disabilities make the transition to college life have won a provincial award honouring their work.

The students are among the winners of this year's Colleges Ontario Awards, which recognize significant achievements in advancing college education in Ontario.

"These students have really helped their fellow students to succeed at college," said Barbara Taylor, President of Canadore College. "We are pleased to see them win this award for their important work."

The seven students - Brenda Bastien, John Croden, Julie Dykeman, Brandon Hayman, Tyler Lavigne, Kathleen McMillan and Ryan O'Hare - were part of the Learning Disability Summer Transition and Orientation Program, a three-day workshop for new students with learning disabilities. The student mentors provide practical information about available services and offer moral support.

At the workshop, students meet others with learning disabilities and learn about methods that can maximize their success.

Since the inception of the program, the retention rate of students with learning disabilities has been at 86 per cent. As well, on average, the participants have a higher grade point average and higher graduation rate.

"We are proud of our student mentors," Taylor said. "By sharing their experiences, they are enriching the college experience for so many others."

The Colleges Ontario Awards were established in 2000 to recognize individuals, organizations and volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of Ontario's college system. The awards are presented in categories such as student leadership, student innovation, distinguished service and more.

"The awards recognize passionate and innovative leaders," said Linda Franklin, president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. "The winners are people who are helping colleges to deliver the best education and training possible."

The students won the Student Innovation Award which will be presented Feb. 23 in Toronto at a luncheon ceremony at the Colleges Ontario 2009 Conference.

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