Loyalist College (Ontario), Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), and Portage College (Alberta) formalized a new partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement recognizes the unique challenges of those within our country’s military community wishing to further their education.
Whether deployed domestically, internationally, or conducting daily operations, CAF families often face distinct hurdles in pursuing education due to the additional burdens of service – including the need for frequent interprovincial moves.
The partnership was guided by Dr. Darryl Cathcart who spoke to Quinte News.
“We recognize the challenges and obstacles for military-connected learners in the Belleville Trenton area, you know, and we’re looking to support those learners.”
“What’s most needed is awareness of military-connected learners’ rights to understand the challenges that they have in pursuit of a post-secondary certification, diploma or degree.
“You know, military families are transitory in nature. You know, they start at one college and they find themselves posted to a new area and have to restart.”
“Loyalist College is proud to partner with Portage College and NSCC to launch a national education pathway in support of military-connected students,” says Mark Kirkpatrick, Acting President of Loyalist College. “As publicly assisted colleges, we have a unique responsibility to create programming that is responsive to community needs. This initiative is a landmark step forward in recognizing the unique skills of an often underserved group and removing barriers to education for military-connected learners.”
NSCC Associate Vice President of Research and Innovation, Jeff Taylor adds, “I’m so pleased to work with our fellow colleges to address a real need with our military community members. Having just commemorated Remembrance Day, we are keenly reminded of the selfless commitment of those who step forward to serve our country. It is incumbent on us to create a smooth pathway for them when they choose to seek additional education.”
