From cap and gown to carpentry – Barrydowne College opens doors for the future

After celebrating two milestones in two years – 1,000 graduates since its inception in the fall of 2011 and the largest cohort of graduates ever this past June – Barrydowne College isn’t resting on its laurels.

“We have over a thousand success stories of young people who went back to school to realize their dream of obtaining a secondary school diploma,” said Principal Susan Kett. “We now have our sights set on one thousand more as we begin a new school year.”

She added: “If you left school before graduating or know someone who left school before graduating, getting a high school diploma is well within reach and will open doors for the future.”

Recent graduate Lauren Reed-Comeau is a prime example. “My time at Barrydowne College was a journey of growth and self discovery,” she said. “I learned that success comes from being dedicated, and having perseverance and the willingness to keep learning.”

Lauren Reed-Comeau has high praise for the teachers at Barrydowne College. “Because of their amazing support, I was able to pursue something I am passionate about, a future career in the skilled trades,” she said. “The trades represent more than just a job to me. They represent opportunity, growth, hard work and a chance to build something meaningful.”

Lauren Reed-Comeau is now enrolled in the Building Construction Technician – Carpentry program at Cambrian College and is well on her way towards achieving her dream of working in the trades.

Her advice for young people who left school before graduating? “Believe in yourself and your abilities, and trust Barrydowne College to set you on a path towards success.”

Lauren Reed-Comeau studied Carpentry Fundamentals at Cambrian College, one of the many dual credit options available to students at Barrydowne College. She received a Schulich Builders Scholarship valued at $20,000 and the Cambrian College Dual Credit Achievement Award.

Barrydowne College is a re-engagement school for students ages 18 to 21 located at Cambrian College. All learning is individualized so students work at their own pace. This means students can finish credits before the end of a semester and begin another.

Secondary school credit courses are taught by teachers from Rainbow Schools. Dual credit courses are taught by professors at Cambrian College. This combination, along with the alternative learning environment in a college setting, supports students in their goal of graduating.

Barrydowne College offers a wide variety of courses including elective credits such as Art, Food and Nutrition, First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies as well as a Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture. Students earn credits, build soft skills, and develop links to community college programs.

Students have the potential to earn paid Co-operative Education credits. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), a formal evaluation and credit-granting process for mature students, is available.

To learn more about Barrydowne College, please call 705.566.2302 or visit barrydowne.rainbowschools.ca to register.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.