When choosing my last breakout session of the day, I was attracted by this one’s focus not only on teaching and learning pedagogies but also on the barriers faced by students from underrepresented groups. Run by Meredith Lordan, a high school teacher and professor at UofT, the session was about the challenge of designing and implementing the HSBC Steps to University Program, a joint initiative between UofT, Pathways to Education, and the Toronto District School Board to give a taste of university to high school students in Regent Park.
After completing an interview process, students are selected to take a real, intensive first-year sociology course on weeknights, after a full day of school. The students are often tired and are juggling family responsibilities and jobs, yet with a retention rate of about 75%, they seem to be very committed.
Course instructors use a variety of interesting tools to engage the students and keep them motivated. For example, one class created a successful magazine aimed at other residence in Regent Park. Another tool is bringing back successful graduates to speak to the students about their experiences and the barriers they had to overcome.
When I asked her, Dr. Lordan said she thinks this model could easily be exported to other high-risk areas. She suggested the best way to gain widespread support for such a program is to create joint-partnerships with the school boards.
It’s long been OUSA’s position that the government should create an arm’s-length foundation to fund community early outreach initiatives across Ontario. Such a foundation could be the catalyst that brings institutions, school boards and communities together to implement similar programs and start closing those persistent participation gaps.
Alexi White
Executive Director
