Near North Board rolls out new co-op program

Near North District School Board
News Release

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A Cooperative Education program run by the Canadian Forces Army Reserve and the Near North District School Board will commence this September, giving local students the opportunity to earn high school credits while participating in military training.

The Algonquin Regiment and 26 Service Battalion have conducted a combined education program with the Near North District School Board since the mid 1990’s. The cooperative program, or co-op, is traditionally offered throughout the high schools of North Bay and the surrounding area during the second school semester. It gives local students an opportunity to earn four high-school credits as well as enrolling as a soldier in the Army Reserve with one of the participating units. The four academic high-school Cooperative elective credits are applied towards graduation. In addition to the academic qualifications, graduates complete a military recruit course, and a St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid and CPR course.

The co-op provides students the opportunity to continue their education in an exciting, unique and challenging environment. In addition, the co-op offers part time employment throughout the school year with the possibility of full time employment during the summer months.

This year’s co-op commences September 8, 2009 and will include an enrolment ceremony for the students. They will graduate on January 21, 2010, after several months of study and hard work. Graduates who choose to continue training with the Algonquin Regiment will travel to Meaford, Ontario to complete their Infantry trade course during July and August. Those continuing to serve with 26 Service Battalion may go on to train drivers, cooks, or supply technicians at Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario.

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