|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Launch of First Ever Summer Bridging Programme at The College of The Bahamas
By The College of The Bahamas Office of Communication
Jun 29, 2016 - 7:45:02 PM
|
Email this article
Mobile friendly page
|
College President Dr. Rodney D. Smith brings remarks to the first group of Summer Bridging Programme Students
|
The College of The Bahamas’ Summer Bridging Programme, which aims to give students a “fighting chance” at a successful college career, was launched on Monday morning at an inaugural orientation session at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre.
Students enrolled in the programme will participate in a six-week academically intensive enrichment experience while also receiving an authentic understanding of college life. The students will study Math, English, Biology, and also take part in counseling seminars to best prepare them for their time at The College of The Bahamas. Upon successful completion, students will gain direct admission into the College.
At the orientation session 47 students were warmly welcomed and told how the programme will run by coordinators Dr. Maria Oriakhi, Assistant Vice President, Academic Affairs and Dr. Christina Nwosa, Associate Vice President, Centre for Continuing Education & Extension Services.
“We started a bit late in marketing the programme but I must say the response has been terrific. I can only imagine that next year we will see even greater numbers in our programme. This summer, we anticipate that we will have 60 students in the programme. We’ve also seen interest in students from the Family Islands who wish to attend and we are currently working on ways to accommodate them with the help of the Ministry of Education,” explained Dr. Nwosa.
Director of Campus Life Mr. Darvin Toussaint at the Summer Bridging Programme Orientation session.
|
Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald, M.P. recently announced that the Ministry of Education would provide $50,000 to assist students enrolled in the preparatory programme. The funds will be allocated on a financial need basis.
College President Dr. Rodney D. Smith sought to encourage to the first ever group of students enrolled in the Summer Bridging Programme.
“Being the first Summer Bridging Programme students, you have the opportunity to prove that it works. And we believe beyond any shadow of doubt that you are going to work very hard. I know your professors are very committed to you and will work hard with you because we believe in you. We believe in what you can achieve and we know that you can do it because we did it. We were in the same positions that you are in. Going from somebody who was not admitted to college initially when I applied to someone who got two degrees from Harvard University proves to you that you can do anything that you want to do,“ Dr. Smith said.
Dr. Maria Oriakhi, Assistant Vice President, Academic Affairs
|
Currently, there are very limited criteria to gain admission to The College. The Centre for Continuing Education & Extension Services saw the need for several modes through which one could enter The College, soon University of The Bahamas. In addition to the Summer Bridging Programme, other initiatives will launch in the upcoming semesters.
“We have a quote for this programme, that ‘Summer Bridging is Key’ and it really is. It is the key to success, it is the key to a brighter future, and it is the key to opening doors to these students that may not have been opened otherwise,” Dr. Maria Oriakhi touted of the programme.
“We talk about all the social ills and that young people have all these problems. Now we are giving students a key that grants access to a college education. It is my hope that next year when we hold the orientation that we are forced to hold t in the Performing Arts Centre because the auditorium will not be able to contain the amount of students enrolled in the Summer Bridging Programme. I think this is going to give students a fighting chance to become the first in their families to graduate from college,” she added.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
