Paul Martin launches first Dual Credit Program in Ontario

Signing the partnership agreement to offer the Aboriginal Dual Credit Program are the Right Honourable Paul Martin, who heads the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative; Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University President; and Tyler Campbell, Chair of Rainbow District School Board.

Rainbow District School Board Chair Tyler Campbell and First Nations Trustee Grace Fox thank the Right Honourable Paul Martin for launching the first high school – university dual credit program in Ontario at Laurentian University. The program will benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in Rainbow Schools.

A unique partnership that
enables Aboriginal youth to earn high school and university credits at the same
time was announced today at Laurentian University.

"This
announcement builds on the successful dual credit
programs between Ontario high schools and colleges," said Laurentian
President Dominic Giroux. "This pilot program will extend the dual credit
concept to the Ontario university environment for the first-time ever.It’s a proud day for Laurentian as it
builds on its tri-cultural mandate — but, more importantly, it’s a great day
for First Nation and Métis students because it gives them more options for
success — and that’s what really matters."

The
Commerce dual credit program will focus on Aboriginal Youth
Entrepreneurship.Students will
enroll in university courses that will be credited towards their Ontario
Secondary School Diploma.Laurentian
is the only Ontario university approved by the province to offer a dual credit
program.

Students
will be given entrepreneurial experience and the opportunity for business
ownership.Using innovative
hands-on activities, guest speakers, and business mentors, Aboriginal students
will learn how to create a product or service-based business. Funding will be
provided to start each micro-business and using the services of local banks,
students open and maintain accounts, and must comply with all required record
keeping and other accountability measures.

The
Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI), headed by former Prime Minister
Paul Martin, is a key partner for this component of the program.The MAEI is a non-profit corporation
that supports and sponsors pilot projects aimed at increasing the number of
Aboriginal people attending post-secondary institutions.

“I am very pleased
that the Government of Ontario, Laurentian University, the Rainbow District
School Board and the Sudbury Catholic District School Board have agreed to
implement this program," said Mr. Martin, "Right now, almost half of
Aboriginal Canadians don’t even a high-school diploma — and the number of
Aboriginal students earning a bachelor’s degree is dramatically lower than
non-Aboriginal people. I am hopeful that partnerships like this can help change
that.”

“We commend all partners in education for building bridges to support
First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in Rainbow Schools,” said Rainbow
District School Board Chair Tyler Campbell. “This partnership will open up a
world of possibilities for our students as they explore the exciting field of
entrepreneurship and get an introduction to university. In the process, they
will have the unique opportunity of earning secondary school and university credits.”

Jody Cameron, Chair of the Sudbury Catholic District School
Board said, "The SCDSB is proud to support Aboriginal secondary students
in such an exciting and innovative initiative.We continue to build pathways that engage, challenge and
provide new and varied learning opportunities for Aboriginal students.It is through these real world
opportunities that our youth can achieve success in the future."

A first
group of dual track students started this semester in Native Human Services,
with a second intake class planned in September in Commerce, and a third in
2011 in Environmental Studies. The outcome of this three year pilot
project, involving up to 60 students by the third year, will inform future
provincial public policy.

Quick Facts

Laurentian University is one of the fastest
growing universities in Ontario

Laurentian now serves 9,000 students, 11% of
whom are Aboriginal.

First choice high school applications to
Laurentian are up 18% for next year.

With 20 masters and 7 PhD programs, Laurentian
ranks 6th nationally in terms of growth of its research
activity.

To highlight its tricultural mandate as it
celebrates this year its 50th anniversary, Laurentian offers a
one-time $5,000 Access Award to high school graduates from outside Sudbury who
have completed a high school credit in either Native Languages or Native
Studies.

MEDIA
CONTACTS:

Chris Mercer, Laurentian University, (705) 673-6566

Nicole Charette, Rainbow District
School Board, (705) 674-3171, ext. 7217

Gina Tullio, Sudbury Catholic District
School Board, (705) 698-4751

Lucie Santoro, Martin Aboriginal
Education Initiative, (514) 758-9978