College of New Caledonia's street humanities program helps marginalized individuals
The street humanities program at CNC is resulting in a large number of return applications. This
year, 43% percent of its students have applied for further classes. The street humanities program gives marginalized individuals’ access to post-secondary education.
The program helps students integrate into college life by providing students with meals, bus
passes, tuition, books, supplies, study and discussion groups, an educational and emotional
support network, and tours and orientations. It features interesting topics, skilled instructors and a host of activities that support the college environment. In the past, the program has offered courses in anthropology, biology, English, First Nations studies, history, visual art, psychology, math, business and sociology.
“The street humanities program aims to decrease barriers to education and to provide an opportunity for marginalized men and women to walk through the college doors as students,” said CNC administrative coordinator, Kim Bennet. “This long running program has seen many success stories over the years and we are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to the community.”
A new intake of the street humanities program is starting in January and applications can be
made to Erin Guggenhiemer at An Association Advocating for Women & Children (AWAC).
The target demographic for the program is marginalized men or women who have experienced
exclusion, poverty, barriers to learning, homelessness, and/or unemployment. Applicants should possess an interest in learning and challenging themselves. There is a time commitment of three evening classes each week for the duration of the academic year.
“The street humanities program not only provides the students with courses offered at CNC but
with life lessons as well,” said Guggenhiemer. “I have found that the students are often surprised to see what they are capable of. They learn to apply these new skills to all aspects of their lives, and their self-esteem gets a huge boost. Many students continue their education, begin working in their chosen field and bring this knowledge and expertise back to their communities.”
The program is offered free of charge and is managed and funded by CNC in partnership with AWAC.
Original article from: College of New Caledonia
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