News Archives: Inspiring Students To Seek Higher Education: "Grade Seven Day" Pilot Project
Monday, April 30th, 2012
Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) is pleased to be hosting the first ever "Grade 7 Day" on May 9, 2012. This day will see approximately 400 grade seven students attend a mini post-secondary experience focused around program options available at GPRC and other provincial post-secondary institutions. The intent of this special day is to give these students a glimpse of the endless possibilities available to them in the post-secondary world and to encourage them to explore that world and their place in it. "Grande Prairie Regional College is delighted to be the host facility for this initiative," says Susan Bansgrove, Vice President, Academics and Research. "The goal is to promote the concept of post-secondary education rather than a specific institution, and we are very pleased to offer our College for this purpose." The Grade 7 Day pilot project was initiated by the Regional High School Summit (RHSS) - a group of regional leaders of secondary and post-secondary systems including four school divisions and GPRC. "We believe that grade seven students are at the perfect age to introduce post-secondary possibilities as it has the potential to inspire a greater academic focus during junior and senior high school studies" says Paul Bennett, Peace River School Division Superintendent and RHSS member. Students from various school divisions in the region will enjoy over 22 presentations offered at various information stations, experience a taste of college life, and gain insight into post-secondary options. The day-long event is free of charge to all students with transportation being covered by respective school divisions. Lunch and welcome gifts for the 400 plus students will be provided courtesy of GPRC. Joseph Baron, TA Norris Middle School grade 7 educator, RHSS member and former GPRC student, reiterates the value and impact of the Grade 7 day. "The middle school and junior high years really set direction for students in upcoming years. The Grade 7 Day is an excellent opportunity to get them excited about their future." Don Gnatiuk, GPRC President and RHSS member agrees and is looking forward to addressing these young students. "Through this experience we hope students will feel motivated, empowered and open to the world of opportunities available to them and more aware of the academic focus necessary to fulfill their hopes and dreams for the future."