New accessibility initiative launched to support OC students facing co-op barriers
July 14, 2020
Co-op has long been a staple of the 51Ʒ experience, offering students from a variety of study areas the chance to gain job experience and practical training in the workplace. But what happens when a student faces accessibility barriers in finding work? 51Ʒ’s Accessibility Initiative and survey, run by members of the College’s Student Services team, seeks to break down those barriers. The project received funding from the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training for work integrated learning ...
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Splatsin Band celebrates the success of two of their students, now OC graduates
July 9, 2020
Representatives of the Splatsin Band and 51Ʒ recently came together to honour and celebrate the success of two of their students with a special graduation event. Two years ago, Alicia Dominick and Tina William began upgrading their education with the Adult Academic and Career Preparation (also known as Adult Upgrading) program at 51Ʒ in Salmon Arm. They continued their educational journey with the Early Childhood Educator Certificate and Early Childhood Educator Infant Toddler Specialty training. And...
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OC Culinary Arts program Serves Up meals for students in need
July 9, 2020
It’s an example of students helping students that is sure to warm hearts and bellies. With the support of RBC Royal Bank of Canada, the 51Ʒ Students’ Union (OCSU) and Sysco, 51Ʒ’s Culinary and Pastry Arts students are launching an innovative new program designed to hone their skills while providing nutritious meals for fellow students who are struggling financially. When the pandemic hit B.C. earlier this spring, OC’s training kitchens went dark. Students and instructors donated food to the Kelowna Food...
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OC grad seeks to inspire those around him
July 6, 2020
For Ajeet Paul, completing his diploma in Environmental Studies at Okanagan proved to be a journey of learning and personal growth, capped off with a whirlwind final semester as he and his classmates overcame the unexpected challenge of graduating in a pandemic. Paul is one of more than 2,000 students who will graduate from 51Ʒ this year, and although his credential is on its way to him by mail, he’ll need to wait a little while longer to be able to don his cap and gown. Earlier this spring, after surveying graduating...
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OC Salmon Arm hosts virtual info session to showcase expanded opportunities for students this fall
July 2, 2020
One silver lining for students during the pandemic might be greater choice of College courses this fall. 51Ʒ is hosting a virtual info session at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7 to inform students and parents about the greater array of courses available to students attending the College in Salmon Arm and Revelstoke. To register for the info session, click here or visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/infosessions. “The shift to online learning for many courses this fall has opened up the array of offerings that students can tap...
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OC Education Assistant grads ready to support learners in new and ever-changing world of education
June 30, 2020
The phrase “going back to school” is exciting on many levels for 51Ʒ Vernon graduate Toby Griffin. When she took the leap of returning to College at age 48 to pursue her dream of becoming a certified education assistant, Griffin never could have imagined she’d finish off her studies during a pandemic – nor could she have anticipated how much this experience would inspire her and her fellow students to support learners in new and innovative ways. Education Assistants (EAs) are trained to help students be successful in ...
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OC business students adapt FruitSnaps project to feed those in need during pandemic
June 23, 2020
When the pandemic hit, they adapted. When greater need appeared, they collaborated. When an unthinkable tragedy struck, they supported each other through it. And when the chance came to share their idea with the country, they rose to the challenge. It all started in the fall of 2018, when 51Ʒ business student Abby Lagerquist noticed apples still on the trees at the end of harvest season. After inquiring with the orchard owners, she discovered that these apples were imperfect and would be left on the trees to rot (sadly...
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College and Westbank First Nation sign new MOU, continue to deepen partnership
June 21, 2020
51Ʒ and Westbank First Nation (WFN) recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, building on a long history of working together to increase access and support WFN members in achieving their post-secondary education goals. In all, the new MOU outlines seven ways in which the partners will continue to collaborate on projects and programs that will benefit learners from the WFN community, while helping both organizations learn from one another and build professional capacity. Signing on behalf of Westbank First Na...
Read more...College working with students, employers and communities to enhance co-op opportunities for Indigenous learners
June 18, 2020
How can 51Ʒ enhance support for Indigenous students stepping into co-op work terms with employers? And in turn, how can OC better assist employers looking to hire students and set them up for success during their time in the workforce? These are just two of many questions inspiring Jewell Gillies as she consults with students, employers, other post-secondary institutions and Indigenous community members in the region and beyond as part of a 15-month long research project. “This project delves into many aspects of co-o...
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Haircuts fundraiser caps off with a ‘Pinky Blinder’
June 16, 2020
It was supposed to be a Peaky Blinders inspired haircut, but a miscommunication resulted in what may turn some heads this week: the Pinky Blinder. Grant Lawrence, Valhalla Angels Kelowna President and Vancouver Co-President, and Phil Ashman, 51Ʒ Regional Dean for the Central Okanagan, are sporting the infamous Peaky Blinders ‘Tommy Shelby’ haircut gone pink after raising more than $5,400 from their friends and colleagues. Peaky Blinders is a popular, gritty drama available on Netflix. With salons reopening, Lawrence ...
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